under our constitution, some powers belong to the states. what is one power of the states?
One power of the states under the U.S. Constitution is to provide schooling and education.
Quick Scoop: What the Question Is Asking
The line “Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?” is actually Question 42 from the U.S. citizenship (civics) test.
You only need to give one correct example to get it right.
Accepted Correct Answers (You Only Need One)
Any one of these is a full-credit answer on the civics test:
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver’s license
- Approve zoning and land use
So if you just answer:
“Provide schooling and education.”
you are correct.
Why States Have These Powers
The idea comes from the Tenth Amendment , which says that any powers not given to the federal government and not forbidden to the states are reserved to the states or the people.
That is why states handle many day‑to‑day issues like:
- Local schools and education policy
- State and local police
- Fire departments and emergency services
- Driver’s licenses and vehicle rules
- Land-use planning and zoning laws
These powers let each state adapt laws to its own communities while still being part of one country.
Mini Example (To Remember It Easily)
Imagine you move from one state to another:
- You must get a new driver’s license from the new state.
- Your kids may follow different school rules , calendars, or standards.
- Your new town might have different building and zoning rules for houses or businesses.
All of those are concrete examples of state powers in action.
TL;DR: The simplest, safest answer to memorize is:
“One power of the states is to provide schooling and education.”
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.