MoCA History Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The case of McCulloch v. Maryland, decided by the Supreme Court in 1819, established the principle of implied powers of Congress. This ruling affirmed that the federal government has certain powers that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are implied through the Necessary and Proper Clause. The Court held that Congress could establish a national bank, even though the Constitution does not specifically authorize it. This decision underscored the idea that the federal government possesses powers beyond those explicitly listed, allowing it to effectively carry out its duties and exercise authority within its jurisdiction.

In contrast, states' rights primarily refer to the powers specifically held by the states rather than by the federal government. Judicial review pertains to the ability of the Supreme Court to invalidate laws or executive actions that contravene the Constitution, established in a different landmark case. Separation of powers is a fundamental principle of governance that distributes authority across different branches of government to prevent any one from gaining too much control, but it does not directly relate to the powers of Congress as established in McCulloch v. Maryland.