“Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled.”
Look familiar, kinda like the 10th Amendment? It should. It is Article II of your Articles of Confederation. Is it “all talk . . . and foolish talk?”
Not at all. In fact, it contains one of the fundamental and decisive differences between the old system and the new one.
expressly delegated
The Constitution contains "implied powers". The Articles had expressed powers only. Huge difference.