The president is no king, and he does not have the power to impose taxes in the form of tariffs whenever he feels like it.

That was the question in front of the federal courts that ruled against President Trump’s tariffs in the last couple days.

From Athens to the British Empire and on to the US – dominant powers have used might and consent to exert influence.

Businesses and states had sued the government, saying the president didn’t have the authority to impose the levies.