<P> Congress may lay and collect taxes for the "common defense" or "general welfare" of the United States . The U.S. Supreme Court has not often defined "general welfare," leaving the political question to Congress . In United States v. Butler (1936), the Court for the first time construed the clause . The dispute centered on a tax collected from processors of agricultural products such as meat; the funds raised by the tax were not paid into the general funds of the treasury, but were rather specially earmarked for farmers . The Court struck down the tax, ruling that the general welfare language in the Taxing and Spending Clause related only to "matters of national, as distinguished from local, welfare". Congress continues to make expansive use of the Taxing and Spending Clause; for instance, the social security program is authorized under the Taxing and Spending Clause . </P> <P> Congress has the power to borrow money on the credit of the United States . In 1871, when deciding Knox v. Lee, the Court ruled that this clause permitted Congress to emit bills and make them legal tender in satisfaction of debts . Whenever Congress borrows money, it is obligated to repay the sum as stipulated in the original agreement . However, such agreements are only "binding on the conscience of the sovereign", as the doctrine of sovereign immunity prevents a creditor from suing in court if the government reneges its commitment . </P> <P> The Necessary and Proper Clause, as well as the Commerce and General Welfare Clauses have been interpreted so broadly that to this day, the Federal Government of the United States exercises many powers that are not expressly delegated by the States in the Federal Government by the Constitution, like the different social programs of the American Welfare State . However, James Madison, who wrote much of the Constitution, disagrees that Congress exercises powers that are not expressly granted in the Constitution; Madison, when he held the Office of President of the United States, exercised his Veto power against the Federal Public Works Bill of 1817, calling it Unconstitutional, since to him, the Federal Government does not have the power to build infrastructure . </P> <P> To the House of Representatives of the United States: </P>

Who did the constitution gave the authority for holding congressional elections