Civic Literacy Practice Test 2025 - Free Civic Literacy Questions and Study Guide

The decision in McCulloch v. Maryland is a foundational case in American constitutional law that specifically addressed the necessary and proper clause, which is found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This clause allows Congress to enact laws that are not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, provided they are necessary to carry out its powers.

In this case, the Supreme Court held that Congress had the authority to create a national bank, which was not expressly mentioned in the Constitution, by utilizing its implied powers under the necessary and proper clause. Furthermore, the ruling established that state laws could not interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government, reinforcing the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.

This landmark decision underscored the flexibility of the Constitution to adapt to changing governmental needs and reinforced the principle of federalism in which the federal government has certain powers that states cannot usurp, thereby shaping the relationship between state and national authorities. These principles continue to influence interpretations of the Constitution and the balance of power in the United States today.