McCulloch v Maryland, EXPLAINED [AP Gov Required Supreme Court Cases]

Summary

In the video, the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland is explored, focusing on the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States. Maryland imposed a tax on the bank, arguing that Congress lacked the power to establish it. The Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled unanimously in favor of McCulloch, upholding the bank's constitutionality through the Necessary and Proper Clause. This case solidified the supremacy of federal law over state law and has been a key precedent in defining federalism and the balance of power between federal and state governments.

Takeaways

• 📕 McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark Supreme Court case discussed in the AP Government curriculum.
• 📝 In 1816, Congress chartered the Second Bank of the United States, a federal bank that attempted to establish branches in several states, including Maryland.
• 📱 Maryland's legislature was unhappy with the federal bank's presence and passed a law imposing a significant tax on any bank not chartered by the state.
• 💵 The cashier of the Baltimore branch of the bank refused to pay the tax, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.
• 💲 Maryland argued that the establishment of a national bank was unconstitutional as there was no explicit mention of such power in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.
• 💵 McCulloch's lawyers contended that the bank was constitutional under the Necessary and Proper Clause, which allows Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers.
• 📱 The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled unanimously in favor of McCulloch, affirming the constitutionality of the bank based on the Necessary and Proper Clause.
• 💵 The decision established that Congress has the discretion to choose means to execute its powers, as long as they are not prohibited by the Constitution and uphold its spirit.
• 💲 The case solidified the supremacy of federal laws over state laws, setting a precedent for the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
• 💵 The ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland has been a significant precedent in later court decisions regarding federalism and the balance of power between states and the federal government.

Q & A

What was the main issue in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The main issue was whether the state of Maryland could tax a branch of the Second Bank of the United States, a federally chartered bank, without being chartered by the state itself.

What was the Second Bank of the United States?

The Second Bank of the United States was a federal bank established by Congress in 1816 to manage the nation's finances.

Why did Maryland pass a law taxing banks not chartered by the state?

Maryland was not pleased with the presence of the federal bank's branch within its borders and passed a law to tax such banks as a means of resistance.

What was the annual tax imposed on the Bank of Maryland?

The tax was $15,000 per year, which, when adjusted for inflation, is a significant amount of money.

What was the constitutional principle at stake in this case?

The constitutional principle at stake was whether Congress had the power to establish a national bank, which was not explicitly mentioned in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

What is the 'Necessary and Proper Clause'?

The 'Necessary and Proper Clause', found in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, gives Congress the power to create laws that are necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers.

How did McCulloch's lawyers argue the bank was constitutional?

McCulloch's lawyers argued that the bank was constitutional based on the 'Necessary and Proper Clause', which allows for implied powers not explicitly named in the Constitution.

What was the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The Supreme Court decided unanimously in favor of McCulloch, stating that the bank was constitutional due to the 'Necessary and Proper Clause'.

Who was the Chief Justice that argued the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?

Chief Justice John Marshall argued the decision, stating that the bank was constitutional.

What did the decision establish regarding federalism?

The decision established the supremacy of federal laws over state laws, tipping the balance of power in favor of the federal government.

Why is the McCulloch v. Maryland decision significant?

It is significant because it demonstrated the balance of power between the federal government and the states, and it has been a precedent for later courts when deciding on similar issues.