Legal Definitions - Coefficient Clause

The Coefficient Clause is also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause. It is a clause in the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to make laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its powers. This clause gives Congress the power to create laws that are not specifically listed in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out its duties.

For example, Congress has the power to regulate commerce between states, but it may need to create laws that are not specifically listed in the Constitution to carry out this power. The Coefficient Clause allows Congress to create these laws as long as they are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

The Supreme Court has interpreted this clause broadly, giving Congress the implied power to enact any law that is reasonably designed to achieve an express constitutional power. This means that Congress has a lot of flexibility in creating laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.