
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, emphasizes federalism and the division of powers between the federal government and individual states. It asserts that any powers not expressly granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment has had a significant impact on the balance of power in the United States and has influenced the political landscape. Missouri, like other states, has its own constitution, which has been amended numerous times since its adoption in 1945. The Missouri Constitution outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers and structure of its three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Missouri's approach to criminal justice reform, for instance, reflects its commitment to the Tenth Amendment's principles by allowing the state to address societal challenges through sentencing reforms and diversion programs. Thus, the Tenth Amendment has had a tangible impact on Missouri's constitution and governance, ensuring a balance between federal authority and state autonomy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact on Missouri's Constitution | Missouri has its own constitution and laws, and rules for its government. |
| Missouri has had four constitutions in its history. | |
| Missouri's constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which gives the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to speak and the right to practice religion. | |
| The 10th Amendment | The 10th Amendment clarifies that any powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution belong to the states or the people, ensuring a clear separation of authority. |
| It divides powers into expressed (federal), reserved (state), and shared categories, with federal law taking precedence in conflicts. | |
| It serves as a reminder that the federal government's powers are limited by the Constitution. | |
| It was introduced so there would be no doubt about the separation between states' and federal powers. |
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What You'll Learn

Missouri's constitution-making process
The Missouri Constitution, like that of every other state in the United States, is distinct from the US Federal Constitution. Missouri has had four constitutions throughout its history since becoming a state in 1821. The Missouri Constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which grants the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to free speech and the right to practice religion.
The Missouri Constitution-making process involves several methods for proposing amendments. One method is the legislatively referred constitutional amendment, which requires a simple majority vote during a legislative session for the Missouri General Assembly to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 82 votes in the Missouri House of Representatives and 18 votes in the Missouri State Senate. Another method is the convention-referred constitutional amendment, which, according to Section 3a of Article XII of the Missouri Constitution, automatically places the question of whether to hold a state constitutional convention on the state's ballot every 20 years, starting in 1942. Additionally, Missouri is one of eighteen states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments directly. The number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is based on the number of votes cast for governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election.
The Missouri Constitution-making process also involves the role of judges in the state's Judicial Branch. Judges serve on different courts, including the Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. They are responsible for interpreting the constitution and laws, providing clarity on their meaning.
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, clarifies the balance of power between the federal government and individual states. It states that "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." This amendment underscores the concept of federalism and ensures that the federal government's powers are limited to those specifically granted by the Constitution, with all other powers belonging to the states or the people. It has had a significant impact on American governance and the interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court.
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The impact on Missouri's balance of power
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, clarifies the limits of federal power and ensures that powers not explicitly granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment has had a significant impact on the balance of power between the federal government and individual states, influencing the political and ideological landscape of the country.
Missouri, like other states in the United States, has its own constitution, laws, and rules for its government. The Missouri Constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which grants the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to free speech and the right to practice religion. The state has had four constitutions in its history, with the most recent amendments approved in 2024.
The Tenth Amendment has impacted Missouri's balance of power by reaffirming the sovereignty of the state over issues not explicitly granted to the federal government. It ensures that Missouri retains the authority to make decisions and create laws on matters not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution. This amendment has helped maintain a division of powers between the federal and state governments, with federal law taking precedence in conflicts.
The Missouri Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the state's government, including its judicial branch, composed of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. The judges in these courts interpret the state's constitution and laws, playing a crucial role in applying the principles of the Tenth Amendment within the state.
Additionally, the Tenth Amendment has likely influenced the process of amending the Missouri Constitution. Missouri allows citizens to initiate constitutional amendments, with the number of required signatures based on the votes cast in the recent gubernatorial election. The Missouri General Assembly can also propose amendments with a simple majority vote. The Tenth Amendment's emphasis on states' rights and the balance of powers may have influenced Missouri's approach to citizen-initiated amendments and the role of the state legislature in the amendment process.
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Federalism and Missouri's division of powers
The Tenth Amendment has had a significant impact on Missouri's constitution and the relationship between its state government and the federal government. Missouri, which became a state in 1821, has had four constitutions in its history, with the most recent amendments approved in 2024. The state's constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which grants important freedoms to its citizens, such as the right to free speech and the right to practice religion.
Missouri's constitution outlines the rules for its government, including the structure of its judicial branch. The state's Judicial Branch is composed of judges who serve on various courts, including the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. These judges are responsible for interpreting the state's constitution and laws.
The process for amending Missouri's constitution is outlined in its rules for government. Amendments can be initiated by citizens, with the number of required signatures based on the votes cast for governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election. Additionally, the Missouri General Assembly can place a constitutional amendment on the ballot with a simple majority vote during one legislative session. Furthermore, according to Section 3a of Article XII of the Missouri Constitution, a question about holding a state constitutional convention automatically appears on the state's ballot every 20 years, starting in 1942.
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Missouri's Bill of Rights
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, states that:
> "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."
The amendment has had a significant impact on the relationship between the federal government and individual states, including Missouri. It clarifies the limits of federal power, ensuring that powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are retained by the states or the people. This maintains a balance of power between the various levels of government and affirms the concept of federalism.
Missouri, like other states in the United States, has its own constitution, laws, and rules for its government. The Missouri Constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which grants the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to speak and the right to practice religion.
The process for amending the Missouri Constitution is outlined in various sections. For example, according to Section 3a of Article XII, a question about holding a state constitutional convention is automatically placed on the state's ballot every 20 years, starting in 1942. Additionally, a simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Missouri General Assembly to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 82 votes in the Missouri House of Representatives and 18 votes in the Missouri State Senate. Missouri is one of eighteen states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments through a process that involves gathering a certain number of signatures based on the number of votes cast for governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election. The most recent amendments to the Missouri Constitution, four in total, were approved in 2024.
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The 10th Amendment's influence on Missouri's Supreme Court
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, clarifies the separation of powers between the federal government and individual states. It states that any powers not expressly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment has had a significant impact on the balance of power between the federal and state governments and has influenced the political and ideological landscape of the country.
Missouri, like other states in the United States, has its own constitution, which outlines the rules for its government. The Missouri Constitution includes a Bill of Rights that protects important freedoms for the people of Missouri, such as the right to free speech and the right to practice religion. Missouri has had four constitutions in its history, with the most recent amendments approved in 2024.
The Missouri Judicial Branch includes the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. The judges in these courts are responsible for interpreting the state's constitution and laws. While there is no specific mention of the Tenth Amendment's direct influence on Missouri's Supreme Court, it is safe to assume that it plays a role in guiding the court's interpretation of the state constitution and laws.
The Tenth Amendment's emphasis on states' rights and the limitation of federal power would likely inform the Missouri Supreme Court's rulings on cases involving the balance of power between the state and federal governments. It provides a framework for interpreting the Missouri Constitution in a way that preserves the state's authority over matters not explicitly delegated to the federal government.
Additionally, the Tenth Amendment's impact on the interpretation of the US Constitution by the US Supreme Court would indirectly affect Missouri's Supreme Court. The US Supreme Court's rulings on federalism and states' rights set precedents and provide guidance to lower courts, including state supreme courts, on how to navigate similar issues at the state level.
In conclusion, while there may not be explicit examples of the Tenth Amendment's influence on Missouri's Supreme Court, its impact on the interpretation of the US Constitution and the balance of power between federal and state governments would inherently shape the legal landscape within which Missouri's Supreme Court operates.
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Frequently asked questions
The 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, affirms that the federal government only has the powers specifically delegated to it by the Constitution, and that all other powers belong to the states or the people themselves.
The 10th Amendment has influenced Missouri's Constitution by ensuring that the state retains sovereignty over powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution. This has allowed Missouri to address societal challenges in ways that resonate with its communities, such as through criminal justice reform.
Missouri's Constitution can be amended through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, or a state constitutional convention. Amendments require a simple majority vote for approval.

























