Final answer:
The Supreme Court ruled in McCulloch v. Maryland that Congress has the power to enact laws deemed necessary and proper to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, establishing the principles of implied powers and national supremacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case in which the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the power to do anything that was necessary and proper to carry out its duties as outlined in the Constitution was McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). This landmark decision established two key principles: the doctrine of implied powers, which allows Congress to use methods not specifically mentioned in the Constitution to achieve its constitutional responsibilities; and the principle of national supremacy, meaning federal laws and powers take precedence over state laws when they conflict.
The Necessary and Proper Clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, provides the constitutional basis for these implied powers. It allows Congress to pass laws needed to execute its enumerated powers effectively. This clause, advocated by Alexander Hamilton, played a crucial role in the expansion of federal authority, particularly in its ability to regulate interstate commerce and enforce civil rights legislation, creating a flexible, evolving system of governance that could adapt to changes in society and technology.