The Seventeenth Amendment restates the first paragraph of Article I, section 3 of the Constitution and provides for the election of senators by replacing the phrase “chosen by the Legislature thereof” with “elected by the people thereof.” In addition, it allows the governor or executive authority of each state, if …

What are the benefits of the 16th Amendment?

The Sixteenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, played a central role in building up the powerful American federal government of the twentieth century by making it possible to enact a modern, nationwide income tax. Before long, the income tax would become by far the federal government’s largest source of revenue.

How is the Income Tax Amendment going to pass?

First, the income tax amendment would have to pass both houses of Congress by two-thirds majorities. Then, three-fourths of the state legislatures would have to ratify it. Only after ratification would Congress have the clear power to pass an income tax law.

How did the 16th Amendment change the tax system?

The 16th Amendment changed a portion of Article I, Section 9 The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. Keep Reading Read Interpretations of the 16th Amendment Learn More More about 16th Amendment

When was the income tax added to the Constitution?

The amendment was ratified in 1913, clearing the legal hurdles to an income tax. Unsurprisingly, an income tax was levied that very year. The legislation was again taken up in front of the Supreme Court. On January 24, 1916, the court ruled that income taxes were now legal—due to the constitutional changes.

What was the power of Congress to lay and collect taxes?

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.