Question

The elastic clause:

Oled to the expansion of the presidency across U.S. history
Ohelped clarify and distinguish the limits of the federal government
O contributed to the expansion of Congress and its authority
Ohas managed to be consistently interpreted by various Supreme Court justices

Answer 1

The elastic clause, or necessary and proper clause, has been instrumental in expanding the authority of Congress by allowing it to pass laws necessary for executing enumerated powers.

Therefore, the correct answer is: option "contributed to the expansion of Congress and its authority"

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of elastic clause has led to fundamental changes and growth in the legislative reach, covering areas and creating programs and actions not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, like the establishment of the Federal Reserve Board and the Internal Revenue Service.

The elastic clause has contributed to the expansion of Congress and its authority, giving it the ability to enact laws deemed necessary and proper to execute the powers listed in the Constitution.

The interpretation of this clause has been a source of debate, with varying viewpoints on the extent to which Congress can invoke these implied powers.

Over time, decisions from the Supreme Court have both limited and expanded the reach of these powers, thereby affecting the breadth of Congressional authority. This clause's application has been fundamental in numerous policy areas such as healthcare, tax collection, commerce regulation, education funding, and environmental regulations.