the implied powers doctrine, upheld in mccullock v. maryland, gives congress the power to do

a. only what the supreme court authorizes it to do
b. only what is absolutely necessary to carry out the expressed powers
c. anything reasonably related to carrying out the expressed powers
d. anything it decides is in the public interest
b.

Right! :-)

To determine the correct answer, let's break down the implied powers doctrine and the Supreme Court case of McCulloch v. Maryland.

The implied powers doctrine is a principle in constitutional law that grants Congress certain powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary and proper to carry out the expressed powers. The doctrine is derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark 1819 Supreme Court case that dealt with the issue of implied powers. The case involved the constitutionality of the creation of the Second Bank of the United States, which was opposed by the state of Maryland. The Court's ruling in this case broadly interpreted the Necessary and Proper Clause and upheld the implied powers of Congress.

Now, let's examine the options:

a. only what the Supreme Court authorizes it to do - This option is incorrect because the implied powers doctrine grants Congress independent authority to exercise powers that are necessary and proper, even without specific authorization from the Supreme Court.

b. only what is absolutely necessary to carry out the expressed powers - This option is also incorrect. While the implied powers doctrine allows Congress to exercise powers that are necessary to carry out the expressed powers, it does not limit Congress to only what is absolutely necessary. It provides some flexibility for Congress to take actions that are reasonably related to the expressed powers.

c. anything reasonably related to carrying out the expressed powers - This option is correct. The implied powers doctrine, as affirmed in McCulloch v. Maryland, allows Congress to take actions that are reasonably related to carrying out the expressed powers. This interpretation recognizes that Congress needs some discretion to adapt and adjust its powers to meet the needs of a changing society.

d. anything it decides is in the public interest - This option is incorrect. While Congress has broad powers, including implied powers, it is not unrestricted in determining what is in the public interest. The exercise of its powers must still conform to constitutional limits and not violate individual rights.

Therefore, the correct answer is c. anything reasonably related to carrying out the expressed powers.