states' rights

plural noun

1. the rights belonging to the various states, especially with reference to the strict interpretation of the Constitution, by which all rights not delegated by the Constitution to the federal government belong to the states.

states' rights

plural noun

1. the rights and powers generally conceded to the states, or all those powers claimed for the states under some interpretations of the Constitution
2. a doctrine advocating the severe curtailment of Federal powers by such an interpretation of the Constitution

states' rights

1. Rights guaranteed to the states under the principle of federalism . Under the Constitution , states have considerable autonomy to pass, enforce, and interpret their own laws and to pursue their own public policy programs. Proponents of states' rights argue that the states should be governed with a minimum of interference from the federal government.

Notes

The relationship between federal and state responsibilities has often been controversial. Until the middle of the twentieth century, for example, the Supreme Court left the interpretation of many civil rights guarantees to the states, resulting in hostile and widespread discrimination against minorities.

Derived Forms

• statesˈ righter, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of states' rights¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

As LBJ did on civil rights, he must realize there are no constitutional or states-rights issues involved—and should say so.

From The Daily Beast

Michele Bachmann supports states rights on gay marriage, but also supports a constitutional amendment outlawing it.

From The Daily Beast

Now, this struck me as being a States rights plea, and as far as our domestic policy goes, I am a pretty liberal guy.

From Project Gutenberg

The speaker, Robert M. T. Hunter, was a so-called states-rights man, and a supporter of the independent treasury scheme.

From Project Gutenberg

This same argument had previously been urged in my “Centralisation versus States Rights.”

From Project Gutenberg

The Democratic party began its career as a States-rights party.

From Project Gutenberg

As was to be expected, he had no regard whatever for states rights.

From Project Gutenberg