Question

Review Article 1, Section 10 here.

Write two or three sentences explaining whether this article grants more power to the states or the federal government.

Give two pieces of evidence to support your claim.

Answer 1

Article I, Section 10 restricts the powers of individual states and therefore strengthens the federal government by reserving certain authorities to Congress and preventing states from acting independently in key areas. It prevents states from making treaties, coining money, issuing paper currency, or passing laws that conflict with contracts, and it requires congressional consent before states may impose tariffs, keep troops, or enter compacts with other states.

Evidence:
- "No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit..." — this clause removes sovereign powers (diplomacy, currency) from states and leaves them to the national government.
- "No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, ... lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports ... keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or engage in War..." — this clause gives Congress authority to approve (and thereby control) state actions in commerce, defense, and interstate relations.