Investigatory power refers to the legal authority granted to conduct investigations and gather information related to criminal activities, national security threats, and other matters of public interest.
Even though Congress lacks express constitutional power to conduct investigations, the necessary and proper clause allows Congress to investigate pursuant to its legislative power.
Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress has 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 any department or officer thereof.”
[Last updated in March of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]
- Keywords