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Overview of McCulloch v. Maryland Case

Apr 21, 2025

Heimler's History: McCulloch v. Maryland

Introduction

  • Overview of the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland.
  • Part of the AP Government curriculum.

Facts of the Case

  • Year: 1816
  • Event: Congress chartered the Second Bank of the United States.
  • Location: Bank branches established in several states, including Maryland.
  • Maryland's Response:
    • Maryland opposed the federal bank within its borders.
    • Passed a law taxing non-Maryland chartered banks at $15,000/year.
    • Cashier of the Baltimore branch refused to pay the tax.
  • Legal Trajectory: Case escalated to the Supreme Court.

Constitutional Principle

  • Maryland's Argument:
    • National bank was unconstitutional (Article 1, Section 8 did not mention Congress having the power to create a bank).
  • McCulloch's Argument:
    • Bank was constitutional via the "Necessary and Proper Clause" (Article 1, Section 8).
    • Congress has powers beyond those explicitly named if they enforce the Constitution's powers (implied powers).

Supreme Court Decision

  • Outcome: Unanimous decision in favor of McCulloch.
  • Chief Justice John Marshall's View:
    • Constitution must allow national legislature discretion in executing conferred powers.
    • Laws are constitutional if they are within the scope and spirit of the Constitution.
  • Supremacy Clause:
    • Federal law is supreme over state law.
    • States cannot override federal sovereignty.

Significance

  • Federalism:
    • Case highlighted the balance of power between federal government and states.
    • Established supremacy of national laws.
  • Precedent:
    • McCulloch v. Maryland serves as a precedent for federal vs. state power issues.
    • Contrast to United States v. Lopez, where state power was favored.

Conclusion

  • Importance in demonstrating federalism.
  • Used as a precedent in future decisions on federal versus state power.

  • Additional Resources:

    • Playlist of other required cases.
    • Review packet for AP Government.
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