In the case of McCulloch v. Maryland, discuss how the role of the federal government changed over time.

In the case of McCulloch v. Maryland, the role of the federal government changed significantly over time. This landmark Supreme Court case, decided in 1819, established the principle of federal supremacy and expanded the powers of the federal government. The case revolved around the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and whether the state of Maryland had the authority to tax it. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had the power to establish a national bank and that states could not interfere with or tax federal institutions.

This decision solidified the idea that the federal government's authority superseded that of the states in certain matters, and it set a precedent for the expansion of federal power in the years to come. Over time, the federal government's role grew as it asserted its authority in areas such as regulating interstate commerce, enforcing civil rights, and providing social welfare programs. The principles established in McCulloch v. Maryland laid the foundation for a stronger and more centralized federal government, leading to a shift in the balance of power between the federal and state governments. This case marked a turning point in the evolution of the federal government's role and its relationship with the states, ultimately shaping the modern system of governance in the United States.