McCulloch v. Maryland

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Maryland imposed a tax on the Second Bank of the United States. The Supreme Court upheld Congress’s power to create the Bank and struck down Maryland’s tax.

3) Why It Mattered
This case announced the doctrine of implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and reinforced the principle of federal supremacy.

Foundational Cases

Gibbons v. Ogden

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
New York granted an exclusive steamboat monopoly to operate in its waters. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government’s power under the Commerce Clause trumped the state-granted monopoly.

3) Why It Mattered
The decision gave a broad interpretation of “commerce among the states” and affirmed that Congress has the final say over interstate commerce.

Federalism Cases

Worcester v. Georgia

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Georgia passed laws requiring non-Native Americans to obtain a state license before living on Cherokee land. Samuel Worcester, a missionary, refused and was convicted. The Supreme Court overturned his conviction, holding that only the federal government—not the states—had authority in Indian affairs.

3) Why It Mattered
This case affirmed tribal sovereignty and the federal government’s exclusive role in regulating relations with Native nations. It directly challenged Georgia’s attempt to extend its authority into Cherokee territory.