What gives Congress the power to raise taxes to fund services?
History · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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The power of Congress to raise taxes to fund services is granted by the United States Constitution. Specifically, it is outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, commonly known as the Taxing and Spending Clause. It states: "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States."
This clause gives Congress the authority to impose taxes, duties, and other forms of revenue collection, which are necessary to fund the operations of the federal government, including services such as national defense, infrastructure, education, and social programs.