What legislative act allowed Congress to levy taxes on people and property?

The Revenue Act represents the legislative act that permitted Congress to levy taxes on people and property. This act was significant in the establishment of federal taxation in the United States, particularly as it provided a framework for the federal government to collect revenue necessary for its functions. The concept of a revenue act implies a broader policy of taxation that includes various forms of taxes, including property and sales taxes.

In historical context, the Revenue Act, particularly the Revenue Act of 1861, was implemented to help fund the Union's military operations during the Civil War. It marked a pivotal shift in the way the federal government financed its obligations, moving away from relying primarily on tariffs and other fees. This background highlights the importance of the act in laying the groundwork for modern taxation as we know it today.

While other options may seem relevant, they relate to specific types or methods of taxation rather than providing the foundational legal authority granted to Congress for taxing the populace. The Taxation Act does not refer to a specific, recognized legislative act in the U.S. legal framework, the Tariff Act usually pertains to taxes on imported goods, and the Income Tax Act pertains specifically to income taxes rather than a broad authority to levy taxes in general.