<P> In 1896, the GOP platform pledged to "renew and emphasize our allegiance to the policy of protection, as the bulwark of American industrial independence, and the foundation of development and prosperity . This true American policy taxes foreign products and encourages home industry . It puts the burden of revenue on foreign goods; it secures the American market for the American producer . It upholds the American standard of wages for the American workingman ." </P> <P> In the colonial era, before 1775, nearly every colony levied its own tariffs, usually with lower rates for British products . There were taxes on ships (on a tonnage basis), import taxes on slaves, export taxes on tobacco, and import taxes on alcoholic beverages . The London government insisted on a policy of mercantilism whereby only British ships could trade in the colonies . In defiance, some American merchants engaged in smuggling . </P> <P> During the Revolution, the British blockade from 1775 to 1783 largely ended foreign trade . In the 1783--89 Confederation Period, each state set up its own trade rules, often imposing tariffs or restrictions on neighboring states . The new Constitution, which went into effect in 1789, banned interstate tariffs or trade restrictions, as well as state taxes on exports . </P> <P> The framers of the United States Constitution gave the federal government authority to tax, stating that Congress has the power to "...lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States ." and also "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes ." Tariffs between states is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, and all domestically made products can be imported or shipped to another state tax - free . </P>

What type of tariff is prohibited by the u.s. constitution