What does the Sixteenth Amendment allow Congress to do?

• A. Levy an income tax
• B. Set term limits for members of Congress
• C. Establish a national bank
• D. Determine the age of voters

Answer: (A)

The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, grants Congress the power to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census. This was a significant development in federal taxation, as prior to this amendment, income taxes were considered unconstitutional if they did not conform to the apportionment rule, which had made it challenging for the federal government to collect taxes based on individuals' incomes. The amendment resolved this restriction, enabling the federal government to impose an income tax directly on citizens' earnings, thus providing a vital source of revenue to fund government operations and services.

The other choices do not pertain to the Sixteenth Amendment. Setting term limits for Congress members is a separate legislative issue that has not been addressed by an amendment. The establishment of a national bank falls within Congress's powers but is more related to legislative authority rather than specifically defined by the Constitution. Similarly, determining the age of voters is governed by amendments and statutes related to voting rights, not the Sixteenth Amendment itself.