Why is the necessary and proper clause in the Constitution sometimes called the “elastic clause”?

It stretched the power of the Supreme Court.
It stretched the power of the Supreme Court.

It can stretch the powers of Congress.
It can stretch the powers of Congress.

It is used to stretch the powers of the president.
It is used to stretch the powers of the president.

It stretches the power of the states.

1 answer

The necessary and proper clause in the Constitution is sometimes called the "elastic clause" because it can stretch the powers of Congress. This clause, found in Article I, Section 8, grants Congress the authority to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. As a result, it allows Congress to adapt and expand its legislative authority to address changing circumstances, effectively "stretching" its powers beyond what is explicitly listed in the Constitution.