Final answer:
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to tax and spend to promote the general welfare, including raising revenue through taxes and tariffs and authorizing federal expenditures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants Congress the right to tax and spend to promote the general welfare. This section is known for outlining the enumerated powers of Congress, which include the power to levy taxes, tariffs, and other means of raising federal revenue and to authorize the expenditure of federal funds. One of the most critical powers, referred to as the "power of the purse," allows Congress significant control over the executive branch by necessitating that the executive requests funding from Congress.
Additionally, the 16th Amendment further expanded Congress's ability to tax by introducing the national income tax. As part of providing for the general welfare, federal funds are allocated to various programs and services such as Social Security, interstate highways, and social welfare programs. These initiatives require revenue, generated through the taxing authority given to Congress, to be effectively administered and managed.