What was the ruling of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

The ruling of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) established that federal law takes precedence over state law. This landmark case arose when the state of Maryland attempted to impose a tax on the Second Bank of the United States, which was a federal institution. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that Maryland's tax was unconstitutional because it infringed upon the powers of the federal government.

The decision emphasized the supremacy of federal authority and supported the doctrine of implied powers, indicating that the federal government has certain powers that extend beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution. This ruling reinforced the power of the federal government to operate independently of the states, establishing a critical precedent for the relationship between state and federal authority.