Why are the powers that belong to the states called reserved powers?

Explanation:

Reserved powers refer to the powers that are not specifically delegated to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states. These powers are reserved to the states or to the people, as stated in the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution.

In a federal system of government like the United States, there is a division of powers between the national government and the state governments. The reserved powers are those powers that are not given to Congress in the Constitution but are instead reserved for the states or the people.

Reserved powers include areas such as regulating intrastate commerce, establishing local governments, conducting elections, and regulating public health and safety. These powers are important because they allow state governments to address the specific needs and preferences of their populations, while also serving as a check on the power of the federal government.

Overall, the term "reserved powers" highlights the idea that certain powers are reserved for the states and the people within the framework of the U.S. federal system, ensuring a balance of power between the national government and the states.