Question

What led to George Washington showing the force of the federal government?


Shay's Rebellion


Judiciary Act


Whiskey Rebellion

Answer 1

The event that most directly led to George Washington demonstrating the force of the federal government was the **Whiskey Rebellion**.

The Whiskey Rebellion occurred in the 1790s when farmers in western Pennsylvania protested against a federal excise tax on whiskey. The farmers viewed the tax as unjust and burdensome, as whiskey was an important part of their economy. In response to the rebellion, President Washington decided to take decisive action to quell the unrest and assert the authority of the federal government.

In 1794, Washington led a militia of about 13,000 troops to suppress the rebellion, making it one of the first significant tests of federal authority under the Constitution. The show of force successfully ended the rebellion and reinforced the idea that the federal government had the power to enforce its laws.

While Shay's Rebellion also highlighted weaknesses in the federal government's ability to maintain order, it took place before the current Constitution was established and before Washington became president. The Judiciary Act, on the other hand, dealt primarily with the establishment of the federal court system and did not have the same direct implications for demonstrating federal authority in response to civil unrest.

Thus, the Whiskey Rebellion is the correct answer.