Question

In 3-5 sentences, hypothesize what problems would have arisen if the olastic clause had not been included in the Constitution. Your answer should also
include a critique of the Framers' decision to include the elastic clause in the Constitution. Your response should consider the following: a thosis statement
and one piece of evidence that supports your claim, and reasoning that explains how your evidence backs up your claim. (4 points)

Answer 1

If the elastic clause had not been included in the Constitution, the federal government would have faced significant challenges in adapting to unforeseen circumstances and changing societal needs, potentially leading to legislative gridlock or a lack of authority in critical areas such as commerce and defense. The Framers' decision to include the elastic clause, however, has been critiqued for enabling an expansive interpretation of federal power, which can lead to overreach and a dilution of states' rights. For instance, the broad application of the clause has allowed Congress to legislate on issues far beyond those explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, prompting concerns about federal authority encroaching on state powers. This evidence illustrates how the elastic clause, while necessary for flexibility, can inadvertently foster a centralization of power that undermines the original federalist framework they sought to establish.