Which type of tariff is expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution?
Options:
a. Import tariff b. Export tariff c. Specific tariff d. Ad valorem tariff |
The Correct Answer Is:
- b. Export tariff
The correct answer is B, “Export tariff.” Export tariffs are expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution. This prohibition is outlined in the Constitution’s Export Clause, which is found in Article I, Section 9. The Export Clause restricts the federal government from imposing taxes or duties on articles exported from any state.
Let’s explore in detail why export tariffs are forbidden and why the other options (A, C, and D) are not correct:
Option B:
Export tariff An export tariff is a tax or duty imposed on goods or products that are exported from a country. In the United States, the Constitution’s Export Clause explicitly prohibits the federal government from imposing such tariffs. The Export Clause, found in Article I, Section 9, states: “No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.”
This constitutional provision is rooted in historical concerns about protecting the interests of states engaged in commerce and trade. It ensures that goods produced in one state and intended for export to another state or foreign countries are not subject to federal taxation. Therefore, export tariffs are expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution.
Now, let’s explain why the other options (A, C, and D) are not correct:
Option A:
Import tariff Import tariffs, also known as customs duties, are taxes imposed on goods or products imported into a country. Import tariffs are not expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution. In fact, the Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose tariffs and regulate commerce with foreign nations.
This authority is outlined in Article I, Section 8, which states that Congress has the power “to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises” and “to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.” Import tariffs have been a key source of revenue for the federal government and a tool for regulating trade throughout U.S. history.
Option C:
Specific tariff A specific tariff is a type of import tariff where a fixed amount of tax is imposed on each unit or quantity of a product imported. Specific tariffs are not expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution.
The Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose taxes and duties, including specific tariffs, as part of its power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. Specific tariffs have been used historically to generate revenue and protect domestic industries.
Option D:
Ad valorem tariff An ad valorem tariff is a type of import tariff where the tax is calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported goods. Ad valorem tariffs are not expressly forbidden by the U.S. Constitution.
Like specific tariffs, they fall under the authority of Congress to impose taxes and duties on imported goods as part of its power to regulate commerce. Ad valorem tariffs are commonly used to adjust tax rates based on the value of imported products and are not prohibited by the Constitution.
In summary, the U.S. Constitution expressly forbids export tariffs through the Export Clause, which prohibits the federal government from imposing taxes or duties on articles exported from any state.
Import tariffs, specific tariffs, and ad valorem tariffs are not forbidden by the Constitution and are within the constitutional authority of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations and collect revenue.
This distinction reflects the historical importance of ensuring that goods produced within the United States and intended for export are not burdened by federal taxation, thereby promoting the free flow of commerce across state and international borders.
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