Federalism is the division of power between a national government and state governments. This system is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Cases like McCormick v. Maryland (1819) illustrate the ongoing tension and negotiation of power between these levels. The Supreme Court, in this case, asserted the supremacy of the federal government over the states when laws conflict, based on the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, emphasizing that state laws cannot impede valid constitutional laws passed by Congress.
Match each term with its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Federalism | A. The power of a court to hear a case for the first time. |
| 2. Supremacy Clause | B. The division of power between a central government and regional governments. |
| 3. Concurrent Powers | C. Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments. |
| 4. Enumerated Powers | D. Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government. |
| 5. Original Jurisdiction | E. Establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties constitute the supreme law of the land. |
(Answers: 1-B, 2-E, 3-C, 4-D, 5-A)
Complete the following paragraph:
McCormick v. Maryland centered on the issue of whether the state of Maryland could _________ the Second Bank of the United States. The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John _________, ruled that the state could not tax the bank because of the _________ Clause of the Constitution. This case reinforced the principle of _________ powers, holding that the federal government has implied powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.
(Answers: tax, Marshall, Supremacy, implied)
Explain how McCormick v. Maryland impacts the balance of power between the federal and state governments today. Use specific examples to support your answer.
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