Question

Clause 18 of section 8 (also known as the elastic clause) is the _______________.

Answer 1

Clause 18 of Section 8 is the Necessary and Proper Clause, often called the elastic clause, which grants Congress implied powers to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, leading to substantial federal actions and programs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clause 18 of Section 8, also known as the elastic clause, is the Necessary and Proper Clause. This clause enables Congress 'to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing powers', essentially granting Congress implied powers beyond the ones explicitly enumerated in the Constitution. Its broad scope allows Congressional action in many areas not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, providing a legal foundation for a variety of federal actions and programs.

For example, Congress used the implied powers derived from the elastic clause to establish the Federal Reserve Board and to implement the interstate highway system. The implications of this clause have been a source of debate, as differing interpretations can significantly affect the expansion of federal authority and the balance of power between the national and state governments.