States' Rights

States' rights refer to the political idea that individual states have the authority to govern themselves and make certain decisions without interference from the federal government. This concept emphasizes the importance of state sovereignty and the belief that states should retain powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution. Advocates argue that local governments are often better equipped to address the unique needs and circumstances of their communities. The debate over states' rights has been significant in U.S. history, influencing issues ranging from civil rights to health care and education policy.