What is another name for the Elastic Clause?

What is another name for the Elastic Clause?

• A. Supremacy Clause
• B. Necessary and Proper Clause
• C. Commerce Clause
• D. Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer: (B)

The Elastic Clause is another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. It gives Congress the power to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers, allowing for implied authority beyond what is explicitly listed. This flexibility is why it’s called elastic — it adapts to new situations by enabling laws that are needed to fulfill Congress’s constitutional duties. A classic example is the establishment of a national bank, which respected the overall powers of Congress even though a bank isn’t specifically spelled out. The other clauses do different jobs: the Supremacy Clause says federal law takes precedence over state law; the Commerce Clause covers regulation of interstate and international trade; the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize each other’s public acts and records.

The Elastic Clause is another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. It gives Congress the power to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers, allowing for implied authority beyond what is explicitly listed. This flexibility is why it’s called elastic — it adapts to new situations by enabling laws that are needed to fulfill Congress’s constitutional duties. A classic example is the establishment of a national bank, which respected the overall powers of Congress even though a bank isn’t specifically spelled out. The other clauses do different jobs: the Supremacy Clause says federal law takes precedence over state law; the Commerce Clause covers regulation of interstate and international trade; the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to recognize each other’s public acts and records.