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 6th 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

The necessary and proper clause is a part of Article I that lets Congress make laws needed to carry out the powers written in the Constitution. It is often called the "elastic clause" because it stretches Congress’s powers to deal with new situations. For example, Congress used it to create a national bank and the post office because those things help with making money and running business across the country.

I don't think it gives Congress too much power because the clause only allows laws that help carry out powers already listed in the Constitution. There are checks on Congress—like the President, the courts, and the states—that can stop laws that go too far; the Supreme Court can strike down laws that are not really necessary. The clause also helps the country solve new problems, like building highways or managing the economy, without having to change the Constitution every time.