How did McCulloch v.Maryland affect the balance of power? A. It established the state governments' power over interstate commerce. B. It established the judicial branch's ability to declare certain presidential actions unconstitutional. C. It established the judicial branch's power of judicial review. D. It said that the federal government was more powerful than the states when carrying out a constitutional duty. QUESTION 12 Reading an amicus curioe brief can help citizens A. understand the majority decision in a specific case. B. stay informed about a specific interest group's view on a case before the Supreme Court. C. learn about the likelihood that a constitutional amendment will be ratified. D. determine whether a specific Court nominee is likely to be confirmed.

## Step1<br />The first question is about the McCulloch v. Maryland case. This case was a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court that established the supremacy of the federal government over the states. The case arose when the state of Maryland attempted to tax a federal bank, which was a violation of the federal government's power. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government was more powerful than the states when carrying out a constitutional duty.<br /><br />## Step2<br />The second question is about amicus curiae briefs. These are legal documents filed in appellate court cases by non-litigants who have a strong the subject matter. The purpose of these briefs is to advise the court of relevant additional information or arguments that the parties may not have included in their own briefs. Therefore, reading an amicus curiae brief can help citizens stay informed about a specific interest group's view on a case before the Supreme Court.