States' rights refer to the political belief that state governments should have more power and authority over certain issues than the federal government. This concept emphasizes states' sovereignty and their ability to govern themselves.
Related terms
Nullification: The idea that states have the right to declare federal laws unconstitutional and therefore nullify them within their borders.
Tenth Amendment: Part of the Bill of Rights that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.
Devolution: The transfer of power from a central authority (federal government) to regional authorities (state governments).