Compact Theory

Compact Theory is a legal and political concept from the 19th century that suggests the U.S. Constitution is a compact or agreement among the states, granting the federal government only the powers explicitly specified. According to this view, states retain all remaining powers unless delegated to the federal government, emphasizing states’ sovereignty. This theory influenced debates about states’ rights and the limits of federal authority, especially leading up to conflicts like the Civil War. It asserts that any powers not directly granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.