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Originally Posted by Originalist
Actually until the ratification of the 16th amendment in 1913, income tax was illegal per the Constitution. The General Welfare clause only applies to the powers specifically enumerated to the Federal Government by the States in the Constitution.
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That's not entirely accurate. Prior to 1913, an income tax would have been considered a direct tax, and would have been required to be enumerated based on the census population data. After 1913, it was classified an indirect tax, and exempted from that qualification. It was not, however, illegal prior to that. Unless I misread something, in which case, feel free to point out the error to me. I won't be offended.
As to the General Welfare clause, I concur wholeheartedly. The greatest problem with our government right now, is that 'We the People' are not holding our representatives accountable, and letting them run ramshod over their Constitutional limitations.