What constitutional principle did McCulloch v. Maryland help establish?

McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1819 that significantly reinforced the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. This case addressed the balance of power between the federal government and state governments, particularly concerning the establishment of a national bank and the subsequent taxation of that bank by the state of Maryland.

The court ruled that Congress had the authority to create the bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause, which allows for the enactment of laws deemed necessary to carry out its enumerated powers. This decision emphasized that federal laws and policies take precedence over state laws whenever there is a conflict. The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI of the Constitution, explicitly states that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the "supreme Law of the Land," which means they override any conflicting state legislation.

Thus, the key takeaway from McCulloch v. Maryland is the affirmation of federal supremacy over state authority, which is a fundamental principle in understanding the structure and function of the American federal system. This case established a strong precedent for federal power and demonstrated how the Constitution allows for a flexible interpretation of governmental authority to effectively meet national needs.