Final answer:
Congress has the power to implement and collect taxes, which is essential to paying national debts and providing for the general welfare. The IRS collects taxes, while Congress appropriates the revenue. Tax collection is uniform across states and is central to Congress's control of the federal budget.
Step-by-step explanation:
The power of Congress to implement and collect taxes is a fundamental aspect of the U.S. government as outlined in the Internal Revenue Code. Under Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is granted the enumerated power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises. This is essential for paying debts, providing for the common defense, and promoting the general welfare of the country. The Constitution ensures that federal taxes are uniform across all states, exports cannot be taxed, and taxation of income can occur without apportionment among the states or regard to any census.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for the collection of taxes, and Congress has the power to allocate the revenue collected. This power, often referred to as "the power of the purse," is what allows Congress to control the country's finances, a power that is integral to the functioning of the federal government.
In 2020, U.S. federal tax revenue totaled $3.42 trillion, highlighting the significant role that tax collection plays in the nation's economy. The ability to levy and collect taxes is thus considered the most important power held by Congress, supporting its other powers like declaring war and regulating commerce.