Final answer:
The claim that the necessary and proper clause limits the power of the national government is false. This clause, often called the elastic clause, actually provides flexibility that allows Congress to extend its powers beyond what is explicitly listed in the Constitution, thereby expanding federal authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the necessary and proper clause has had the effect of limiting the power of the national government is false. The necessary and proper clause, also known as the elastic clause, is found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. It grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.
Instead of limiting, this clause has actually been used to expand the powers of the national government. It allows for flexibility in legislating by enabling Congress to make laws that are not expressly listed in the Constitution as long as they are deemed necessary and proper to execute its constitutional powers.
The use of this clause has been a key factor in the growth of federal authority over time, serving as a basis for implementing many laws and federal programs that extend beyond the explicit powers listed in the Constitution.