CIVICS
Read the passage by James Madison.


Of these the first is, the "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." Few parts of the Constitution have been assailed with more intemperance than this; yet on a fair investigation of it, no part can appear more completely invulnerable. Without the SUBSTANCE of this power, the whole Constitution would be a dead letter.



James Madison, New York Packet, January 25, 1788

Which statement explains why Madison thinks the "Constitution would be a dead letter” without this power?

A.This power makes it possible to have concurrent powers that maintain a balance between state and federal powers.

B.This power makes it possible to argue that the laws created by the Constitution are the supreme law of the land.

C.This power makes it possible to create the laws needed to carry out the enumerated powers granted by the Constitution.

D.This power makes it possible to decide which government powers need to be reserved for the states and for the people.