Final answer:
The powers of a state to legislate for the protection of health, morals, safety, and welfare of its people are known as d. police powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The powers of a state to enact whatever laws are necessary to protect the health, morals, safety, and welfare of its people are called police powers. These are a form of the broader reserved powers which are granted to state governments by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Reserved powers are not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution but are implicitly understood as belonging to the states because they are not exclusively delegated to the federal government.
Police powers cover a wide range of activities and regulations, from licensing professionals to ensuring public safety through criminal and civil laws, as well as regulations on public health and welfare. These are critical for the day-to-day governance and management of state affairs and are central to a state's role in safeguarding its citizens.
SUMUP
- The term "police powers" describes the state's power to protect health, safety, morals, and welfare.
- These powers are a type of reserved powers indicated by the Tenth Amendment.
- Reserved powers include regulating local businesses, licensing professionals, and controlling education and public safety.