Final answer:
The U.S. Constitution indeed prevents the national government from trying a person for the same crime twice, making the answer a) True. The Necessary and Proper Clause has expanded, not limited, the powers of the national government, hence b) False is the correct answer. The Constitution also safeguards against ex post facto laws and bills of attainder to protect citizens' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Double Jeopardy Clause of the U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being tried for the same crime twice, a principle known as Double Jeopardy, which is embedded in the Fifth Amendment. This means that once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a particular crime, they cannot be prosecuted again for the same offense. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is a) True.
The Necessary and Proper Clause
Contrary to limiting the power of the national government, the "Necessary and Proper Clause" of the Constitution has been interpreted to grant Congress the flexibility to pass laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This has had the effect of expanding, rather than restricting, the scope of national governmental power. Hence, the correct answer to the statement "The necessary and proper clause has had the effect of limiting the power of the national government." is b) False.
Constitutional Protections Against Certain Legislative Actions
The Constitution also protects citizens by preventing both the national and state governments from passing certain types of legislation, such as ex post facto laws and bills of attainder, ensuring the right to a fair trial and due process are upheld.