states' rights

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plural noun

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.

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Origin of states' rights

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Words nearby states' rights

statesman, statesmanship, state socialism, States of the Church, states' righter, states' rights, States' Rights Democratic Party, Statesville, stateswoman, state tree, state trooper

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use states' rights in a sentence

The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy.
In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It would became one of the first great mysteries in the United States of America, as it was only then 23 years old.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Rashad was there to celebrate the release of the Civil Rights drama Selma.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The same Pediatrics journal notes that 17 states have some form of exception to the standard parental consent requirement.
Should Teens Have The Right To Die?|Brandy Zadrozny|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

There is a particular focus in the magazine on attacking the United States, which al Qaeda calls a top target.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He also states that the Audiencia is virtually non-existent, and so there is no high court in which justice may be sought.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
For example, there is a vast discussion afoot upon the questions that centre upon Property, its rights and its limitations.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
There are very few foreign journals taken or read in the Roman States.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley
And we will also settle and assure the particular rights and interests of every planter and adventurer.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
But sharper and closer anxieties than any connected with rights to lands and homes were pressing upon Alessandro and Ramona.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson

British Dictionary definitions for states' rights

states' rights

pl n (often capitals) (in the US)

the rights and powers generally conceded to the states, or all those powers claimed for the states under some interpretations of the Constitution

a doctrine advocating the severe curtailment of Federal powers by such an interpretation of the Constitution

Derived forms of states' rights

states righter, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for states' rights

states' rights

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 for states' rights

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.