The necessary and proper clause in the Constitution is sometimes referred to as the "elastic clause" because it allows for the stretching or expansion of the powers of Congress. The clause, found in Article I, Section 8, grants Congress the authority to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers listed in the Constitution. This clause has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to give Congress flexibility in enacting legislation that may not be explicitly stated in the Constitution but is deemed necessary to fulfill the powers granted to Congress. The elastic nature of this clause allows Congress to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and challenges over time. So, the correct answer is "It can stretch the powers of Congress."
The necessary and proper clause in the Constitution is sometimes called the "elastic clause" because it can stretch the powers of Congress. This clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, gives Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its other enumerated powers. The elastic clause grants Congress flexibility and allows it to adapt to changing circumstances and address issues that may arise. Consequently, it allows for a broader interpretation of Congress's powers and can be seen as expanding the scope of what is considered within the realm of Congressional authority.
