Article 10, State Sovereignty, and Idaho’s Path Forward

The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and we are off and running. As lawmakers dig into policy debates, budget decisions, and priorities for the year ahead, one issue sits quietly underneath many of the conversations taking place at the Capitol, who ultimately controls the direction of Idaho’s government, Idaho, or Washington, D.C.?

That question goes straight to what is often called Article 10 of the U.S. Constitution, the Tenth Amendment, which reserves all powers not expressly delegated to the federal government to the states or to the people. It is a short provision, but one with enormous practical importance, especially for a state like Idaho.

This is not an abstract constitutional discussion. Idaho is once again facing decisions about budget growth, agency spending, and the role federal dollars play in shaping state policy. Federal money rarely comes without strings. While those funds may help in the short term, they often bring mandates, reporting requirements, and expectations that shift control away from state lawmakers and Idaho citizens. Over time, this can blur accountability and weaken local decision making.

The Tenth Amendment offers a steadier path forward, one grounded in restraint, discipline, and constitutional structure. States are not required to accept every federal program placed before them. They are not obligated to administer federal priorities that conflict with state values, fiscal responsibility, or long-term sustainability. Through lawful non-cooperation, careful budgeting, and a clear understanding of state authority, Idaho can protect its sovereignty without chaos or confrontation.

This matters when budgets are being set and long-term commitments are being made. Federal funds can artificially inflate state budgets, making it difficult to scale back when those dollars disappear or conditions change. Idaho has worked hard to remain fiscally responsible, and leaning on the principles of the Tenth Amendment helps ensure today’s spending decisions do not become tomorrow’s liabilities.

In times of frustration with Washington, there is often a temptation to look for sweeping or dramatic solutions. But conservative governance has always valued prudence over impulse. The Constitution already provides tools for states to assert their authority without reopening foundational questions or introducing uncertainty into the system.

The Tenth Amendment does not promise quick fixes. What it offers instead is stability, accountability, and a clear division of power. It keeps decisions closer to the people, reinforces federalism, and allows Idaho to chart its own course, especially when it comes to budgets, policy priorities, and the proper role of government.

As the 2026 session moves forward, Article 10 serves as a reminder that sovereignty is not reclaimed through upheaval. It is preserved through discipline, restraint, and a commitment to governing within the constitutional framework that has served our Republic well.

In Liberty,

Senator Tammy Nichols