elastic clause

[ ih-las-tik klawz ]

noun

1. a statement in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8) granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Example Sentences

That is why the writers included The Elastic Clause, which allows Congress to alter laws as is “necessary and proper.”

From Salon

It’s an elastic clause, given that it’s hard to see the future, and could be used to shut down efforts to empty the camp.

From The New Yorker

This is sometimes called "the elastic clause," since it is capable of being stretched by interpretation to cover many matters that Congress might not otherwise feel authorized to deal with.

From Project Gutenberg

In the famous "elastic clause," the Constitution gives Congress the "Power - To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution" all of the powers "vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

From Salon

"Necessary and proper" clause 307Coefficient or elastic clause 307Scope of incidental powers 307Operation of coefficient clause 308Definition and punishment of crimes 308Chartering of banks 309Currency regulations 309Power to charter corporations 310Courts and judicial proceedings 310Special acts concerning claims 311Maritime law 311Section 9.

From Project Gutenberg