A More Perfect Union: What We the People Can Do to Reclaim Our Constitutional Liberties by Ben Carson MD, Candy Carson Page B
Authors: Ben Carson MD, Candy Carson
Tags: nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography, Retail, Political Science, Politics, Civics & Citizenship, American Government, National, Constitutions
Ads: Link
wrote into the Constitution the ability for Congress to impose enough taxes to meet the financial needs of the government. If the size and scope of the government are reasonable and the taxation system is fair and unbiased, the system should work quite well. On the other hand, if the size and scope of the government and its programs are too great, taxation becomes burdensome and necessarily unfair.
In section 8 of Article 1 the founders outlined the rules for direct and indirect taxation and mandated that taxation be spread evenly across the country. A constitutional amendment, as well as multiple court cases, have adjusted the guidelines for taxation since then, but the main principles remain constant: The founders wanted to be sure the government could fund itself, to prevent the redistribution of wealth from one part of the country to another and to limit tyrannical taxation. Their foresight in recognizing these potential problems is truly a blessing for which we should be quite grateful.
CONGRESS’S SPECIFIC POWERS
Much of the Constitution is devoted to stating what the federal government
cannot
do. In section 8 of Article 1, we see instead a list of Congress’s positive powers. From borrowing money to regulating trade to establishing an army, Congress has the right to do whatever is “necessary and proper” to keep the country moving.
Borrowing
The founders recognized that there might arise situations when the government would need large amounts of cash beyond what was available through the United States Treasury. Accordingly, they gave Congress the power to take out loans. However, our early leaders were also concerned about leaving debt to the next generation and expended great energy to remain fiscally solvent.
Trade
The Constitution gives Congress complete control over all trade between the United States and foreign countries. Congress is in charge of making sure that we don’t export products that are badly needed in this country and that we don’t bring in from other countries things that would be harmful to this nation. Congress also protects American businesses and industries from unfair foreign competition through the use of tariffs and taxes and other legal maneuvers.
Interstate commerce also comes under congressional authority. Interstate roadways, railroads, air travel, and electronic communications are all regulated by the federal government. It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to see that attempting to regulate these things on a state-by-state basis, with each state having a different agenda, would create an untenable situation.
For similar reasons no state is allowed to enter into a trade agreement with another nation. Domestic commerce also is controlled on the national level, which prevents the states from taxing one another in an unfair manner. This is all part of promoting domestic tranquillity.
Immigration and Citizenship
When it comes to immigration, Congress alone has the power to decide who can become an American citizen. No foreigner has a right to American citizenship, even if he or she has managed to evade authorities and slip into the country illegally. The rules that are created by our congressional representatives regarding immigration, both legal and illegal, should conform to the will of the American people. At no point should Congress or the executive branch unilaterally decide to pass immigration policy that is opposed by the majority of American citizens who have worked hard to build a desirable nation.
Fortunately, the United States remains a dream destination for people all over the world. This means we can formulate laws that allow us to pick the cream of the crop based on our needs as a country. If we are wise, we can significantly strengthen our country by creating and enforcing immigration policies that bring talent and resources to our country. If we are unwise, our policies will bring in people who must be supported rather than those who
In section 8 of Article 1 the founders outlined the rules for direct and indirect taxation and mandated that taxation be spread evenly across the country. A constitutional amendment, as well as multiple court cases, have adjusted the guidelines for taxation since then, but the main principles remain constant: The founders wanted to be sure the government could fund itself, to prevent the redistribution of wealth from one part of the country to another and to limit tyrannical taxation. Their foresight in recognizing these potential problems is truly a blessing for which we should be quite grateful.
CONGRESS’S SPECIFIC POWERS
Much of the Constitution is devoted to stating what the federal government
cannot
do. In section 8 of Article 1, we see instead a list of Congress’s positive powers. From borrowing money to regulating trade to establishing an army, Congress has the right to do whatever is “necessary and proper” to keep the country moving.
Borrowing
The founders recognized that there might arise situations when the government would need large amounts of cash beyond what was available through the United States Treasury. Accordingly, they gave Congress the power to take out loans. However, our early leaders were also concerned about leaving debt to the next generation and expended great energy to remain fiscally solvent.
Trade
The Constitution gives Congress complete control over all trade between the United States and foreign countries. Congress is in charge of making sure that we don’t export products that are badly needed in this country and that we don’t bring in from other countries things that would be harmful to this nation. Congress also protects American businesses and industries from unfair foreign competition through the use of tariffs and taxes and other legal maneuvers.
Interstate commerce also comes under congressional authority. Interstate roadways, railroads, air travel, and electronic communications are all regulated by the federal government. It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to see that attempting to regulate these things on a state-by-state basis, with each state having a different agenda, would create an untenable situation.
For similar reasons no state is allowed to enter into a trade agreement with another nation. Domestic commerce also is controlled on the national level, which prevents the states from taxing one another in an unfair manner. This is all part of promoting domestic tranquillity.
Immigration and Citizenship
When it comes to immigration, Congress alone has the power to decide who can become an American citizen. No foreigner has a right to American citizenship, even if he or she has managed to evade authorities and slip into the country illegally. The rules that are created by our congressional representatives regarding immigration, both legal and illegal, should conform to the will of the American people. At no point should Congress or the executive branch unilaterally decide to pass immigration policy that is opposed by the majority of American citizens who have worked hard to build a desirable nation.
Fortunately, the United States remains a dream destination for people all over the world. This means we can formulate laws that allow us to pick the cream of the crop based on our needs as a country. If we are wise, we can significantly strengthen our country by creating and enforcing immigration policies that bring talent and resources to our country. If we are unwise, our policies will bring in people who must be supported rather than those who
Similar Books
