State powers refer to the authority and responsibilities that individual states possess within a federal system of government. These powers allow states to create and enforce laws, regulate commerce, and manage public services such as education and transportation. Each state has its own constitution, which outlines its specific powers and governance structure. In the United States, state powers are defined by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves any powers not delegated to the federal government for the states. This ensures that states can address local issues and govern themselves in ways that reflect the needs and values of their residents.