The Constitution
Necessary and Proper Clause
Article I's closing power: Congress may make all laws 'necessary and proper' to carry its listed powers into execution. The basis for implied powers.
In full
Also called the Elastic Clause. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) read it broadly: if the end is legitimate and within the Constitution, Congress may choose appropriate means, which is how enumerated powers over commerce or the mails support vast bodies of implementing law. It grants no freestanding power; it amplifies the listed ones.
Also written as: elastic clause
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.