The Supreme Court cases for AP US Government and Politics represent pivotal moments that shaped American constitutional law and federal power. Two of the most influential cases are Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland, which established fundamental principles that continue to impact governance today.
Marbury v. Madison (1803) stands as one of the most significant Supreme Court decisions in American history. Chief Justice John Marshall's landmark ruling established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. The case arose when William Marbury sued James Madison over a denied commission as justice of the peace. The Marbury v. Madison decision determined that while Marbury had a right to his commission, the Supreme Court couldn't force Madison to deliver it because Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional. This established the Court's authority to review acts of Congress and declare them void if they violate the Constitution.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) further expanded federal authority by addressing state powers versus federal powers. When Maryland attempted to tax the Second Bank of the United States, the resulting case led to a pivotal ruling about federal supremacy. The McCulloch v. Maryland decision established that Congress has implied powers beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution through the Necessary and Proper Clause. Chief Justice Marshall's opinion declared that "the power to tax involves the power to destroy," preventing states from taxing federal institutions. This case's significance lies in its broad interpretation of federal power and the establishment of federal supremacy over state laws when they conflict. The McCulloch v. Maryland impact continues to influence debates about federalism and the scope of congressional power, making it essential for understanding the relationship between state and federal authority in American government.
