McCulloch v. Maryland

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was a landmark Supreme Court case that addressed the balance of power between the federal government and states. Maryland tried to tax a federal bank, arguing it had the authority to do so. The Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that federal laws are supreme over state laws and that Congress has implied powers (like creating a national bank) necessary to carry out its constitutional duties. This decision reinforced the idea that the federal government has broad powers and that states cannot undermine those powers through taxation or legislation.