Considering the excerpt, the efforts described in it can best be understood in the context of attempts to match democratic political ideals with social realities.
This is because the Chief Justice Marshall tried to clarify the governmental power in the context of democracy and at the same time explain its application for social issues.
This can be seen when the Chief Justice Marshall explains the power of the nations, States, their responsibility to the people, and how they can use such powers to create social institutions like banks and incorporation.
Hence, in this case, it is concluded that the correct answer is option A. "attempts to match democratic political ideals with social realities."
Excerpt below:
"If any one proposition could command the universal assent of mankind, we might expect it would be this: that the government of the Union, though limited in its powers, is supreme within its sphere of action. This would seem to result necessarily from its nature. It is the government of all; its powers are delegated by all; it represents all, and acts for all. Though any one State may be willing to control its operations, no State is willing to allow others to control them. The nation, on those subjects on which it can act, must necessarily bind its component parts.... Although, among the enumerated powers of government, we do not find the word 'bank' or 'incorporation,' we find the great powers to lay and collect taxes; to borrow money; to regulate commerce; to declare and conduct a war; and to raise and support armies and navies...a government, intrusted with such ample powers...must also be instructed with ample means for their execution....We are unanimously of opinion, that the law passed by the legislature of Maryland, imposing a tax on the Bank of the United States, is unconstitutional and void."
Chief Justice John Marshall, McCullough v. Maryland, 1819
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