The Elastic Clause

Mission Brief #14

🎯 Your mission

Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.

⚡ The twist

Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.

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The Elastic Clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, gives Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers. This means that Congress can stretch its authority to address new and unforeseen challenges that arise over time.

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The Elastic Clause allows for adaptability in governance, enabling lawmakers to create legislation that meets the needs of a changing society while still adhering to the Constitution’s framework.

Key facts

Remember these

1The Elastic Clause is also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause.
2It allows Congress to make laws beyond its enumerated powers.
3This clause enables flexibility in governance.

Timeline

When it happened

1787
The Necessary and Proper Clause is written into Article I
1791
Hamilton and Jefferson clash over chartering a national bank
1819
McCulloch v. Maryland upholds the bank using the clause

Then & Now

🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.

Mind = blown

Without its amendments, the U.S. Constitution is only about 4,500 words long.

Question 1 of 2

What is another name for the Elastic Clause?

How sure?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 2

What does the Elastic Clause allow Congress to do?

How sure?😐 maybe

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