What does the term 'states' rights' refer to?

The term 'states' rights' refers to the concept that states have the right to govern themselves, which emphasizes the authority and autonomy of individual states within the framework of the federal government. This idea is rooted in the belief that power should be divided between the state and federal levels, allowing states to create and enforce their own laws and regulations without undue interference from the national government.

This perspective played a significant role in various historical events, particularly in debates over the balance of power leading up to and during the Civil War. Proponents of states' rights argued for the ability of states to make decisions on issues like slavery, education, and taxation without federal oversight.

Understanding this concept is vital in analyzing the tensions between state and federal authority in American history, especially regarding issues like civil rights and environmental regulations, where states have sometimes sought to take divergent paths from federal law.