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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