Question

Regarding your knowledge of Local, State and National Government

Read the following

The expressed powers of Congress are outlined in Article I of the Constitution; however, Congress also has implied powers it can use because of the necessary and proper clause.

Answer the following questions in 3 sentences each in a fifth grade response

Explain the necessary and proper clause.
Does the necessary and proper clause give Congress too much power? Explain your position.

Use details and examples to support your answer.

Answer 1

Explain the necessary and proper clause.
The necessary and proper clause is a part of the Constitution that lets Congress make laws it needs to do its jobs. It means Congress can pass laws not listed word-for-word in the Constitution if those laws help carry out its listed powers. For example, Congress used this idea to create a national bank and to make laws about mail and safe travel between states.

Does the necessary and proper clause give Congress too much power? Explain your position.
No, the necessary and proper clause does not give Congress too much power because there are checks and limits from the other branches of government. The President can veto laws and the Supreme Court can decide if a law is allowed under the Constitution, as it did when it approved the use of the clause for a national bank. Still, people and other branches must watch how Congress uses the clause so it is not used unfairly.