Final answer:
The U.S. Air Force was created through the use of implied powers, stemming from clauses in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that give Congress the power to raise armies and maintain a navy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of constitutional power that led to the creation of the U.S. Air Force is an implied power, derived from the enumerated powers set forth in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. Specifically, Clause 12 gives Congress the power to raise and support armies, while Clause 13 grants Congress the authority to create and maintain a navy. These clauses in conjunction with the concept of implied powers allowed Congress to establish the Air Force as an independent branch of the armed forces in 1947, following World War II. Article II also plays a role, as it designates the President the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, which includes the Air Force.