The Bill of Rights
Amendment 9
RIGHTS RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
COMMENTARY:
Some people feared that the listing of some rights in the Bill of Rights would be interpreted
to mean that other rights not listed were not protected. This amendment was adopted to
prevent such a misinterpretation.
The Bill of Rights
Amendment 10
POWERS RETAINED BY THE STATES AND THE PEOPLE
The powers not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
or to the people.
COMMENTARY:
This amendment was adopted to reassure people that the national government would not
swallow up the states. It confirms that the states or the people retain all powers not given to
the national government. For example, the states have the authority over such matters as
marriage and divorce.
Amendment 11
LAWSUITS AGAINST STATES
This amendment was proposed on March 4, 1794, and ratified on February 7, 1795.
The Judicial power of the United States shall
not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against
one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any
Foreign State.