McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that defined the scope of the U.S. Congress's legislative power and how it relates to the powers of American states. McCulloch is one of the first and most important Supreme Court cases on federal power. In this case, the Supreme Court held that Congress has implied powers derived from those listed in Article I, Section 8. The “Necessary and Proper” Clause gave Congress the power to establish a national bank. This constitutional issues at the heart of this case are The “Necessary and Proper” Clause Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution and The Supremacy ClauseArticle VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What was the main outcome of McCulloch v. Maryland?

  2. What was the main constitutional issue in McCulloch v. Maryland?

  3. Explain the connection between McCulloch v. Maryland and federalism?

  4. What would have happened to national power had McCulloch v. Maryland been decided the other way?

  5. According to the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland, did Congress have the authority to establish a national bank?

  6. According to the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland, Did the Maryland law unconstitutionally interfere with congressional powers?

  7. Do Supreme Court justices look good in robes?

  8. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept national supremacy?

  9. What was the main consequence of the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?

  10. How would you have ruled had you been chief justice John Marshall in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw McCulloch v. Maryland! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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Marbury v. Madison (1803)
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Schenck v. United States (1919)