Final answer:
The U.S. Air Force was established through implied powers, derived from expressed powers and the 'necessary and proper clause' in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Creation of the U.S. Air Force and Constitutional Powers
The creation of the U.S. Air Force can be attributed to implied powers. These powers are not specifically mentioned in the U.S. Constitution but are rather derived from the expressed powers. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to raise and support armies, as well as to provide and maintain a navy. Additionally, Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution includes the 'necessary and proper clause', which enables Congress to make all laws that are deemed necessary and proper to execute its powers. Hence, the establishment of the U.S. Air Force is seen as an implied power linked to Congress's ability to ensure the nation's defense. The elastic clause has been pivotal in expanding congressional authority, allowing for the adaption of military powers to address new forms of warfare, such as air-based combat, which were not foreseen by the Founding Fathers.