Question

Predicting Consequences What might have happened to the ability of Congress to govern if the Framers had not included the elastic clause among its enumerated powers?

Answer 1

Sample Answer:

Students should realize that the functions of Congress would likely be limited to its enumerated powers and that its power to govern almost certainly would be diminished. Congress also would have more difficulty adapting its powers to meet the nation's changing needs.

Answer 2

It is likely that Congress would have had much less power to govern if the elastic clause had not been included in the Constitution. It is possible that the Supreme Court would still have interpreted the enumerated powers very broadly, but it might not have done so.