The elastic clause is another name for which constitutional provision?

• A. The Commerce Clause
• B. The Necessary and Proper Clause
• C. The Supremacy Clause
• D. The Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer: (B)

The elastic clause is the part of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. This is the Necessary and Proper Clause, located in Article I, Section 8. Its idea is to provide flexibility so Congress can create laws that address new situations and use implied powers to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

The other clauses serve different roles: the Commerce Clause regulates trade among states and with other nations; the Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws; and the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to honor each other’s public acts, records, and judicial decisions.