Government Glossary
Necessary And Proper Clause
The Necessary And Proper Clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its constitutional powers. It is sometimes called the Elastic Clause because it gives Congress practical flexibility, but it does not give Congress unlimited authority outside the Constitution.
Plain-English Meaning
The Necessary And Proper Clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its constitutional powers. It is sometimes called the Elastic Clause because it gives Congress practical flexibility, but it does not give Congress unlimited authority outside the Constitution.