Question

how did the fourteenth amendment change the relationship between the federal government and the states?

a. it increased state power by requiring the national government to abide within state laws.

b. it reduced the number of powers shared by national and state government.

c. it increased federal power by requiring states to enforce certain rights from the constitution.

d. it eliminated most rights granted to states in the constitution and increased federal power.

Explanation:

The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses impose requirements on states to enforce constitutional rights, which increases federal power by setting national standards for state action. Option A is incorrect as the federal government isn't bound by state laws in this way. Option B is wrong because the amendment didn't reduce shared powers. Option D is incorrect as it didn't eliminate most state rights. Only Option C accurately describes the amendment's impact on federal - state relations.

Answer:

C. It increased federal power by requiring states to enforce certain rights from the Constitution.