Which landmark case established that Maryland could not tax the Bank of the United States?

Study for the Virginia US History SOL Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Understand historical contexts, key events, and figures. Get ready to ace your exam!

The landmark case that established that Maryland could not tax the Bank of the United States is McCulloch v. Maryland. This case, decided in 1819, affirmed the principle of federal supremacy over state laws. The Supreme Court ruled that the state of Maryland did not have the power to tax a federal institution, in this case, the Bank of the United States, because doing so would undermine the authority of the federal government and its institutions.

The ruling reinforced the concept of implied powers—meaning that Congress has powers beyond those expressly listed in the Constitution, such as creating a national bank. The decision emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong federal government that is not hindered by state actions, thus solidifying the relationship and balance between state and federal powers. This case has had long-lasting implications for federalism in the United States.

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