Final answer:
The US government's power to collect taxes is granted by the Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 8. This authority allows Congress to raise funds for the country's needs, while the IRS is responsible for tax collection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The US government's power to collect taxes is derived from the Constitution. Specifically, this power is outlined in Article I, Section 8, which 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 provision grants Congress the authority to raise funds for the nation's needs through taxation. Moreover, tax-related measures must be initiated by the House of Representatives and then passed by both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by the President. This process ensures a democratic approach to taxation, upholding the principle of "no taxation without representation."
Tax collection is conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the appropriation of tax revenue is done through Congress, enabling the government to fund various services and obligations, including national defense, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.