Today in Supreme Court History: July 12, 1909

On July 12, 1909, a significant milestone in American fiscal history was reached when the 16th Amendment was submitted to the states for ratification. This amendment authorized Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census. This move was crucial in providing the federal government with a more stable and direct revenue stream, which has had lasting implications for taxation policy and federal fiscal power. The 16th Amendment's passage reshaped the nation's economic landscape, setting the stage for future tax reforms and debates.