Question

Describe two features of the original constitution that have led to a growth in the power of the national government.

Answer 1

A feature of the original Constitution that led to the growth in power of the national government is the elastic clause. Also known as the "necessary and proper" clause, this section of the Constitution gives Congress the power to make any laws they consider "necessary and proper" in regard to carrying out their other tasks, which has allowed the power of the national government to expand over the years. Another feature that had this effect was the vagueness of the president's powers in Article II of the original constitution. Left up to interpretation, the President's powers have expanded greatly and, being the head of the national executive branch, with it the power of the national government.