Which phrase describes Congress's ability to carry out its enumerated powers?

The phrase that best describes Congress's ability to carry out its enumerated powers is the Elastic Clause. This clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, grants Congress the authority to pass any laws deemed "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers. The term "elastic" reflects the flexibility of Congress in adapting to new challenges and situations not specifically outlined in the Constitution, allowing for a broader interpretation of its powers.

This flexibility is important because it enables Congress to legislate effectively in a changing society where specific issues may not have been foreseen by the framers of the Constitution. While the Necessary and Proper Clause is often used interchangeably with the Elastic Clause, the term "elastic" emphasizes the adaptability of Congress's legislative power.

The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws, but it does not directly speak to Congress's ability to exercise its powers. The Power of the Purse refers specifically to Congress’s financial powers, including taxing and spending, but it is just one of the various tools Congress uses to implement its enumerated powers.