Question

summarize McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). Why was this an imporatant supreme court case and how did it relate to federalism?

Answer 1

ANSWER:

The importance of this case is that this case indicates that the federal government can perform any activity which they want. The broad definition of Congress power was clearly defined by this case. Before this case, the power of Congress was not clear. Constitution has defined some very explicit powers which can be exercised by Congress. But the question was that only these activities can be performed by Congress? These questions were answered by McCulloch.

In this case, the supreme court provided the verdict that while deciding the power of Congress, the elastic clause must be given due attention. In its verdict, it was stated that in order to execute the expressed powers, Congress can perform anything. This verdict also enabled the Congress to establish the Bank of United States although it was not mentioned in the constitutions. Thus it was directed by the Court in this case that unless it is prohibited by the constitution, the Congress s free to do anything.