Question by Yonx Zoop: What does the American constitution say about forcing people to pay for services?
Apparently according to some people on here the American government doesn’t have the power to charge people for health care because the constitution says that they can’t force people to buy things off them but how is this any different to police?
I’m not American but then again I haven’t read the constitution for my own country.
Anyway, how is this any different to police?
Best answer:
Answer by James
Congress has the power to set taxes.
Give your answer to this question below!
Mjǫlnir
August 15, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Per the 10th Amendment, which hasn’t been repealed, any power not specifically enumerated as belonging to the federal government, and not denied it to the states, belongs to the states and/or the people.
There is no specific power in the Constitution allowing the federal government to force people to buy health insurance of any kind. Therefore, by the intent of that document, it is denied that power.
You should read the Constitution sometime. All of it.
Landlord
August 15, 2011 at 11:14 pm
The government does not have the authority to force anyone to buy insurance.
AndrewM
August 15, 2011 at 11:56 pm
It calls that “taxes” and authorizes Congress and more local branches of government to levy those as needed.
du nomad
August 16, 2011 at 12:28 am
The people who claim that are incorrect. Typically, those who spout such theories are what is known as “strict Constitutionalists.” They believe that if it’s not expressly and specifically stated in the Constitution, then it’s unconstitutional for the government to do it.
jaymes_07
August 16, 2011 at 1:21 am
Police officers are paid for by taxes and are considered public officials. People are required to pay taxes.
The health care law requires people to purchase a product from a private company with their own money (money they keep after taxes). The Government does not have the Constitutional power to force people into the market.
Captain Obvious, Defender of Snack Pudding
August 16, 2011 at 1:27 am
Nothing, it is not in there, like separation of church and state, it is a matter of interpretation.