Question

Which of the following explanations BEST describes the meaning of the above clause from article I, Section 8 of the Constitution?

A. It enhances the power of the states by allowing them to do whatever is "necessary and proper" to prevent Congress from overstepping its constitutional authority.

B. It allows Congress to establish banks or other financial institutions as long as they are deemed "necessary and proper" for maintaining the stability of the nation's economy.

C. It limits Congress's power by allowing Congress to pass only those laws that are "necessary and proper" for it to uphold and defend the principles in the Constitution.

D. It expands Congress's power by allowing Congress to pass any laws that are "necessary and proper" for it to carry out its enumerated powers under the Constitution.

Answer 1

The clause from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution expands Congress's power by allowing it to pass laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meaning of the clause from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution is that it expands Congress's power by allowing it to pass any laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated powers under the Constitution.

This clause, commonly referred to as the elastic clause or the necessary and proper clause, gives Congress the authority to create laws that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are deemed necessary in order to fulfill its responsibilities.

An example of a law that was passed using this clause is the establishment of the Bank of the United States, which was deemed necessary and proper for the execution of Congress's powers.