Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause of the U.S. Constitution permitting Congress to make laws "necessary and proper" for the execution of its enumerated powers. U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 18. a The Supreme Court has broadly interpreted this clause to grant Congress the implied power to enact any law reasonably designed to achieve an express constitutional power. McCulloch u. Maryland, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 316 (1819). - Also termed Basket Clause; Coefficient Clause; Elastic Clause; Sweeping Clause.