The Elastic Clause is cited in the Supreme Court landmark case McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and expands the power of which branch?

• A. The Legislative Branch
• B. The Executive Branch
• C. The Judicial Branch
• D. The Administrative Branch

Answer: (A)

The Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) gives Congress the ability to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, even if those laws aren’t explicitly listed in the Constitution. This opens the door to implied powers, allowing Congress to create institutions and take actions that are useful for executing its constitutional duties.

In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court used that idea to justify a national bank, ruling that Congress could establish it as a means to manage the nation's currency and finances, even though a bank isn’t strictly enumerated in the Constitution. That decision demonstrates how the clause broadens Congressional authority beyond its exact words.

The Executive and Judicial branches aren’t expanded by this clause in the same way; the clause specifically enlarges the legislative branch’s scope. The option referring to an Administrative Branch isn’t a formal branch of government, so it doesn’t apply.