Lesson 78 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareThe Elastic Clause
The Elastic Clause, found in Article I of the Constitution, allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its powers.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
The Elastic Clause, found in Article I of the Constitution, allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its powers. This means Congress can stretch its powers to address new situations that weren't imagined when the Constitution was written. For example, it allows Congress to create laws about technology or the internet, even though these things didn't exist in the 1700s.
Key Facts
The Elastic Clause is also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause.
It helps Congress adapt to new challenges.
This clause is found in Article I of the Constitution.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is another name for the Elastic Clause?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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The Elastic Clause
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
Full screen — no distractions