Final answer:
The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties, and has been used to expand the powers of Congress over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, is a provision in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its duties. This clause is often called the Elastic Clause because it has been used to expand the powers of Congress over time. It allows Congress to stretch or extend its powers beyond what is explicitly stated in the Constitution, which has led to a gradual expansion of legislative authority.
For example, Congress has used the Elastic Clause to justify policies such as the creation of the interstate highway system, contemporary drug laws, and food and occupational safety laws. These laws are considered necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers of Congress. The Elastic Clause has also been used to establish federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service for the collection of income taxes.
Overall, the Necessary and Proper Clause, or Elastic Clause, has played a crucial role in the growth and evolution of congressional powers, allowing Congress to adapt to changing circumstances and address new challenges.