Overview of the required Supreme Court case for AP Government: McCulloch v. Maryland.
Understanding the case involves grasping the balance of power between federal and state governments.
Facts of the Case
Year: 1816
Event: Congress chartered the Second Bank of the United States (a federal bank).
The bank established branches in various states, including Baltimore, Maryland.
Maryland's Reaction: Passed a law taxing banks not chartered by the state $15,000 annually.
Response: The cashier of the Baltimore branch refused to pay the tax, leading to a Supreme Court case.
Constitutional Principles
Maryland's Argument: The national bank was unconstitutional because Congress's power to create a bank wasn't explicitly stated in Article 1, Section 8.
McCulloch's Argument: Relied on the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article 1, Section 8.
Allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper to execute its powers.
Introduces the concept of implied powers.
Supreme Court Decision
Outcome: Unanimous decision in favor of McCulloch.
Chief Justice John Marshall's Argument:
The Constitution permits the national legislature discretion in executing its powers in ways beneficial to the people.
If a power is not prohibited and supports the Constitution's spirit, it is constitutional.
Established the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.
"The powers granted to Congress are by the people of the United States, not a single state."
Significance
Demonstrated the principle of federalism (balance of power between federal and state governments).
Contrast with United States v. Lopez where the balance favored states.
Precedent: Used in later cases to determine federal vs. state power balance.
Conclusion
McCulloch v. Maryland is a crucial case for understanding federalism in AP Government curriculum.
The case solidifies the concept that federal law supersedes conflicting state law.
Additional Resources: Links to other required Supreme Court cases and review packets for AP Government.