Final answer:
The entire contract clause is intended to encapsulate the complete agreement between parties, creating clarity and preventing disputes over the terms. Examples include the "elastic clause" and "interstate commerce clause" in the Constitution, which have broad applications for federal legislative powers, while plain language in contracts like rental agreements enhances understanding and compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic purpose of the entire contract clause is to present the full agreement between the parties, ensuring that all previous discussions, understandings, or agreements are superseded by the written contract. Its inclusion is to avoid any ambiguity or dispute over what the parties' obligations and rights are under the terms of the contract. For instance, the "elastic clause" in the United States Constitution grants Congress the ability to pass laws it deems "necessary and proper" for executing its powers. This can lead to an expansion of federal powers based on implied for unforeseen circumstances.
Similarly, the interstate commerce clause empowers Congress to regulate commerce amongst the states and has been subject to broad interpretation, affecting diverse areas such as minimum wage laws and civil rights. Rent agreements benefit from clearly written terms under the Plain Writing Act of 2010, intended to make legal contracts understandable to laypersons. Lastly, while the slavery clauses in the Constitution have been rendered obsolete and repugnant to contemporary values, they historically exemplified the legal codifications of social practices that could be protected or regulated through contractual terms.