states' rights

American  

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.

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states' rights British  

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

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states' rights Cultural  

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.

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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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• states righter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of states' rights

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

It’s a departure from Weber’s usual stance on states’ rights, which he has supported in the past on topics such as marriage laws, abortion, border security and voting.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

South Carolina Sen. John C. Calhoun, an ardent defender of states’ rights and slavery, argued there was nothing in the Constitution that gave Congress the power to establish a national cultural institution.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2025

House of Representatives on Monday said they opposed a federal bill that would overturn a California animal welfare law, arguing it infringes on states' rights.

From Reuters • Aug. 21, 2023

So, in 1791, the American people, working through their respective states, ratified the 10th Amendment, thereby assuring the principle of states’ rights, also known as federalism.

From Washington Times • Mar. 7, 2023

She also pointed out that the federal rights established by the Fourteenth Amendment took precedence over states’ rights, arguing that the states could not prohibit women from voting.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling