necessary and proper clause

noun

nec·​es·​sary and proper clause
often capitalized N&P&C
: the clause in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that empowers the Congress to make all laws necessary for executing its other powers and those of the federal government as a whole

Word History

Etymology

from the words of the clause

Dictionary Entries Near necessary and proper clause

Cite this Entry

“Necessary and proper clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/necessary%20and%20proper%20clause. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!