46

Lesson 46 of 84 ยท The Constitution

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The Elastic Clause

๐ŸŒMission Brief #46

The Elastic Clause, also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, is found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

๐ŸŽฏ Your mission

Learn how the rule got made โ€” and who it serves.

โšก The twist

Not voting is also a vote.

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Mind = Blown

๐Ÿคฏ Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.

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Then & Now

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.

The Elastic Clause, also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, is found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. It grants Congress the power to enact laws that are necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers. This means Congress can create laws that are not specifically listed in the Constitution, as long as they are related to the powers that are. The Elastic Clause allows for flexibility in legislative authority, enabling the government to adapt to changing needs over time.

Key Facts

1

The Elastic Clause is also called the Necessary and Proper Clause.

2

It allows Congress to make laws not explicitly listed in the Constitution.

3

This clause provides flexibility for the government to adapt.

Timeline

1969

Astronauts land on the Moon

1989

The Berlin Wall falls

2001

September 11 attacks change U.S. security policy

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What is another name for the Elastic Clause?

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Why this still matters

Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?

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Stretch Challenge

Try this in real life this week.

Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.

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For the dinner table

โ€œWhat's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?โ€

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The Elastic Clause โ€” The Constitution | 5th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity | LittleActivity