With the Nov. 5 election approaching, much attention is focused on the presidential contest—but at least as significant are the contests that will determine who controls Congress.
That is because Congress controls federal taxing and spending.
“The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States,” says the Constitution.
“No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law,” it says.
In his Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, published in 1833 and quoted on The Founders’ Constitution website, Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story did an excellent job explaining the purpose of this provision.
“The object is apparent upon the slightest examination,” wrote…
