Light

Necessary and Proper Clause

Definition

The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, is a section of the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to make laws that are necessary for carrying out its other powers.

Related terms

Enumerated Powers: Specific powers granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution.

Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly named in the Constitution but assumed to exist due to their being necessary to implement the enumerated powers.

McCulloch v. Maryland: A landmark Supreme Court case that established broad congressional power under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

"Necessary and Proper Clause" appears in:

Study guides (4)

AP US Government - 1.8 Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism
AP US Government - 1.9 Federalism in Action
AP US Government - 1.10 Required Founding Documents
AP US Government - 2.1 Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives

Practice Questions (5)

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause also known as?
What is the purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause?
How has the Necessary and Proper Clause shaped current interpretations of Congress' powers?
What effect does the Necessary and Proper Clause have on Congressional powers?
What does the Necessary and Proper Clause allow Congress to do?

Are you a college student?

Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.