According to the Ninth Amendment, how should enumerated rights be interpreted?

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Prepare for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History Exam 2. Master key historic concepts with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get exam-ready!

The Ninth Amendment of the United States Constitution emphasizes that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not imply that others do not exist. This means that just because a right is not explicitly mentioned does not mean that it is not protected. Thus, the correct interpretation of the amendment is that it serves to affirm that rights retained by the people should not be denied or disparaged even if they are not specifically listed in the Constitution.

This understanding reflects a broader view of individual rights beyond the text, promoting the idea that the rights of the people are not limited merely to those that are enumerated. It suggests an acknowledgment of the concept of unenumerated rights—those that may exist but are not explicitly spelled out in the law—thereby ensuring the protection of a wide array of individual liberties.