how does the elastic clause work?

Answer 1

Elasticity

An important concept in understanding supply and demand theory is elasticity. In this context, it refers to how supply and demand change in response to various stimuli. One way of defining elasticity is the percentage change in one variable divided by the percentage change in another variable. Thus it is a measure of relative changes.

Often, it is useful to know how the quantity supplied or demanded will change when the price changes. This is known as the price elasticity of demand and the price elasticity of supply. If a monopolist decides to increase the price of their product, how will this affect their sales revenue? Will the increased unit price offset the likely decrease in sales volume?

If a government imposes a tax on a good, thereby increasing the effective price, how will this affect the quantity demanded?

Do you think Gordon Brown might benefit from this knowledge ?

Answer 2

Some refer to this as the "necessary and proper" clause instead of the "elastic" clause. At least the words "necessary and proper" exist in the document. This clause is the capstone of the powers granted to Congress in Article 1. Interestingly, the capstone of the Bill of Rights is the States' rights amendment. If the 10th Amendment doesn't demand a super strict interpretation of the necessary and proper clause, then what is the point of having it? EDIT I don't know Bertrand, the necessary and proper clause seems so straight forward to me. I can almost hear their conversation on the matter... Jefferson: Let's make the necessary and proper clause so simple and clear that even a juris doctor from Oxford will struggle twisting its meaning. Payne: Jolly good idea there Tommy, how about this?: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers" Jefferson: Good show there Mr. Payne! That should bake the noodles of those desirous of unravelling our Constitution for a good many years to come. Here, use my quill dear sir. Madison: If you boys are quite through... Yes, that seems rather plain and clear but this Constitution isn't going to be complete until we clearly define the limitations of government in some strong amendments. We could start with "Congress can't make a national religion" and end with something that clearly restates the very clause you two are about to include. Something like "If it isn't in the Constitution, it remains the domain of the States." Payne: My dear James, you read that letter from Tommy didn't you. The one that said a Constitution without a bill of rights was better than no constitution. How did he put it? Oh yes: "Half a loaf is better than no bread. If we cannot secure all our rights, let us secure what we can." Jefferson (interrupting) Yes, well... James, write something up and we'll try to work out a compromise with that insufferable Mr. Adams.

Answer 3

it works by allowing a little breathing room about what exactly is a state or federal power. anything really could be up for interpretation.

strict constructionalists believe that powers not alloted to the federal gov't is a state power. loose constructionalists believe the federal gov't should have more powers.

Answer 4

He streeeetches down your chimney at Christmas