State rights refer to the powers and freedoms granted to individual states within a federal system, allowing them to govern themselves to some extent.
Related terms
10th Amendment: The 10th Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution that specifically reinforces state rights by stating that any powers not given explicitly to the federal government are reserved for the states.
Federalism: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and individual regional governments (states). It emphasizes both national unity and state autonomy.
States' Rights Doctrine: The States' Rights Doctrine is an interpretation of the U.S. Constitution that argues for strong state sovereignty and limited federal authority, particularly in areas such as civil rights, taxation, or regulation.