Final-Fan said:
I don't want to put words in your mouth, but did you think he was using the word welfare in the sense of the government program? Because if so then you're wrong. |
The actual meaning is quoted apparently in either case.
Thomas Jefferson actually is quoted to explaining the clause.
“[T]he laying of taxes is the power, and the general welfare the purpose for which the power is to be exercised. They [Congress] are not to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please; but only to pay the debts or provide for the welfare of the Union. In like manner, they are not to do anything they please to provide for the general welfare, but only to lay taxes for that purpose.”
It's ironically a limit of power unlike most "general welfare" clauses which are meant to increase government power. Originally said clause actually did prevent welfare taxes and even taxes that were meant to be a deterrant like sin taxes.