The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates
Necessary and Proper, Opposition to the Constitution, September 7,10, 15, 1787
(begining on page 171..175)
Mr Randolph took this opportunity to state his objection to the System... on the general clauses concerning necessary and proper laws... Colonel Mason seconded and followed Mr. Randolph.. the laws will therfore be generally made by men little concerned in, and unaquanted with their effects and consequences. ...Under their own construction of the general clause, at the end end of the enumerated powers, the Congress may grant monopolies in trade and commerce, constitute new crimes, inflict unusual and severe punishments, and extend their powers as far as they shall think proper, so that the state legislatures have no security for the powers now presumed to remain to them, or the people for their rights.
Hows that for a little prophetic concern regarding federalism and just what exactly does "neccesary and proper" mean? Is it more than merely "convenient"?
