In McCulloch v. Maryland, which ruling was established?

• A. The states have ultimate authority over federal law.
• B. The president can veto federal laws unilaterally.
• C. Confirmed federal supremacy and upheld implied powers via the Necessary and Proper Clause.
• D. The case dealt with the rights of individuals in civil protests.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is federal supremacy and the use of implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause. The ruling shows that Congress can act beyond its enumerated powers by relying on implied powers to carry out its constitutional functions, such as establishing a national bank to manage the nation’s finances. The Necessary and Proper Clause justifies these implied powers, and the Supremacy Clause makes federal law and institutions superior to state laws. Maryland’s attempt to tax the Bank was ruled unconstitutional because allowing a state to tax a federal instrument would undermine national authority. This decision firmly established federal supremacy and the legitimacy of implied powers to support the federal government’s operations, rather than granting states ultimate authority, enabling presidential vetoes, or addressing civil-protest rights.