Where do powers not mentioned in the Constitution primarily reside?

The correct response is that powers not mentioned in the Constitution primarily reside in state governments and the people. This reflects the principle of federalism, where the Constitution serves as a foundational document that outlines the structure and limits of the federal government. Specifically, the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution indicates that any powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people.

This ensures that states have the authority to govern on issues not explicitly covered by federal law, allowing for a diverse range of laws and policies that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each state’s residents. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of local governance, granting significant power to the people in shaping their own lives and communities through state and individual action.

Other choices, such as the federal government, local governments, and the Supreme Court, do not capture the decentralized nature of power distribution as intended by the Constitution, particularly concerning those powers that are not explicitly outlined.