Exploring McCulloch v. Maryland and Federalism

The video explores the concept of federalism through the lens of the 1819 Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland. It discusses the historical debate over the creation of a National Bank, highlighting the rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson. The case questioned the balance of power between federal and state governments, ultimately leading to a Supreme Court decision that reinforced federal authority under the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause. The video also connects these historical issues to modern debates on federalism, such as healthcare and immigration.

What was the main issue in the McCulloch vs. Maryland case?

• Whether the federal government could impose tariffs

• Whether the federal government could create a national bank

• Whether states could tax the federal government

• Whether states could secede from the Union

What is federalism?

• A system where the federal government has all the power

• A system where state governments have all the power

• A system where local governments have all the power

• A system where power is shared between federal and state governments

Who supported the creation of a National Bank?

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

• John Adams

Why did Thomas Jefferson oppose the National Bank?

• He believed it was unconstitutional

• He believed it would benefit only the wealthy

• He thought it would lead to inflation

• He wanted more state banks

What happened to the First National Bank in 1811?

• It was renewed by Congress

• It was taken over by the state of Maryland

• It was moved to Maryland

• Its charter was not renewed and it was dissolved

Why did Maryland decide to tax the National Bank?

• To increase state revenue

• To comply with federal regulations

• To support local businesses

• To exert control over it

What clause did the Supreme Court cite to justify the creation of a National Bank?

• Equal Protection Clause

• Necessary and Proper Clause

• Commerce Clause

• Supremacy Clause

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding Maryland's ability to tax the National Bank?

• Maryland could tax the bank

• Maryland could tax the bank with federal approval

• Only the federal government could tax the bank

• The bank was exempt from all taxes

Which clause makes federal law superior to state law?

• Commerce Clause

• Equal Protection Clause

• Supremacy Clause

• Necessary and Proper Clause

Which contemporary issues are influenced by the principles established in McCulloch vs. Maryland?

• Healthcare and immigration

• Education and transportation

• Taxation and trade

• Environmental policy and energy