What is the primary function of the 10th Amendment?

The primary function of the 10th Amendment is to ensure that powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states and the people. This is a vital principle of federalism, which aims to maintain a balance between national and state powers. The 10th Amendment serves as a reminder that the federal government has only the powers that are delegated to it, while all other powers remain with the states, thereby protecting the autonomy and rights of states in governance.

In this context, the other options address different aspects of government structure and rights. The jurisdiction of federal courts pertains to the legal authority they hold as established by other constitutional provisions. Checks and balances are foundational principles articulated primarily in the Constitution that maintain the separation of powers between the various branches of government. Meanwhile, the rights to assemble and to free speech are primarily protected by the First Amendment, focusing specifically on individual liberties rather than the allocation of governmental powers.