necessary and proper clause
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. • 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 v. Maryland, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 316 (1819). — Also termed Basket Clause; Coefficient Clause; Elastic Clause; Sweeping Clause. [Cases: United States 22. C.J.S. United States §§ 30, 33.]