The necessary an proper clause (also known as the elastic clause, the basket clause, the coefficient clause, and the sweeping clause) refers to the provision in Article One of the United States Constitution, section 8, clause 18, that "The Congress shall have Power - To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."