Final answer:
The elastic clause, or the necessary and proper clause, allows Congress to pass laws required for executing its powers and has enabled the government to adapt to changing times. Though a source of controversy, particularly among conservatives, it has not been ruled unconstitutional and has been upheld as a way to extend federal authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elastic clause, formally known as the necessary and proper clause, is found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the U.S. Constitution. This clause has been a significant means by which the legislative branch has adapted to changes over time, allowing Congress to enact laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. It is named so because it can be stretched to cover various implied powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution. The clause has not been found to be unconstitutional; rather, it has been upheld by the Supreme Court as a legitimate expansion of federal power. The elastic clause has indeed been a source of controversy, particularly between different political ideologies. Conservatives often advocate for a more restrictive interpretation of the clause, whereas liberals may support a broader understanding which allows for more federal intervention. Opponents of expansive federal power often cite the concerns of the Anti-Federalists, who feared that this clause would lead to an overreaching central government. Despite this, it has played a crucial role in allowing the government to respond to new challenges and societal developments that the Constitution's framers could not have anticipated.