Final answer:
The ninth and tenth amendments are essential because they limit the powers of the national government and affirm that states possess all powers not explicitly assigned to the federal government, thereby ensuring a shared balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ninth and tenth amendments play a critical role in maintaining the balance of power between the national and state governments. The Ninth Amendment ensures that the list of rights in the first eight amendments is not exhaustive, allowing for an interpretation that acknowledges other fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy, that may not be explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment clarifies that any powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited by the Constitution to the states, are reserved to the states or the people, reinforcing the federalism structure of government power distribution.
With this understanding, the answer to the student's question is that the ninth and tenth amendments are critical to the balance of power because A) They limit the powers of the national government and create a foundation for recognizing unwritten liberties as well as affirming states retain all powers not explicitly assigned to the federal government. This dual protection ensures a shared balance of power, preventing either the national or state governments from becoming too powerful while preserving the sovereignty of the people.