In U.S. governance, the authority held by state governments is referred to as what?

In U.S. governance, the authority held by state governments is referred to as reserved powers. This concept stems from the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people. These reserved powers encompass a wide range of responsibilities such as regulating commerce within the state, conducting elections, and establishing local governments.

This designation is significant as it underscores the balance of power between the federal and state governments, allowing states to exercise authority in areas that are not strictly under federal jurisdiction. Understanding reserved powers is essential for recognizing the scope of state authority and the federalist system of government in the United States.