Final answer:
The decision in McCulloch v. Maryland established the doctrine of implied powers and affirmed the principle of national supremacy. It clarified the authority of Congress and upheld the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland was that it established the doctrine of implied powers. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the authority to create a national bank, even though it was not expressly authorized by the Constitution. This decision granted Congress a vast source of discretionary power to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Furthermore, the court affirmed the principle of national supremacy. It held that conflicting state laws cannot impede the legitimate actions of the federal government. This ruling prohibited states from meddling in the lawful activities of the national government, establishing the government's supremacy within its sphere of action.
Overall, this decision had a significant impact on the balance of power between the federal and state governments, clarifying the authority of Congress and upholding the importance of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.