Final answer:
The statement regarding the necessary and proper clause limiting national government power is false. This clause has historically been used to expand rather than limit the powers of the national government by enabling Congress to pass laws within its constitutional authority that are not explicitly enumerated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement '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 make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers and all other powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States. Rather than limiting, this clause has been used to expand the power of the national government by allowing it to pass laws that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution, provided they are in pursuit of its constitutional responsibilities.