LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASES: McCulloch v. Maryland (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the McCulloch v. Maryland notes.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case in which the Court held that Congress has implied powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states cannot tax the federal government, reinforcing federal supremacy.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Constitutional provision that allows Congress to make laws needed to exercise its enumerated powers, creating implied powers.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional clause stating that federal law is the supreme law of the land, overpowering conflicting state laws (Article VI).

Implied Powers

Powers not expressly listed in the Constitution but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause to carry out enumerated powers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

National Bank

Federal financial institution created by Congress; at issue in McCulloch v. Maryland as the object of federal power.

Power to tax is the power to destroy

A principle illustrating that allowing states to tax the federal government would undermine federal authority and federal supremacy.