Question

During the second half of 1786, farmers and Revolutionary War veterans in western Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, began to protest and used force to stand up to government officials. This uprising became known as Shay’s Rebellion. Though it was unsuccessful for Shays and his men, it helped to cause Congress to reevaluate the Articles of Confederation in favor of a new constitution.

Which weakness of the Articles of Confederation was exposed by Shay’s Rebellion?

A inability of Congress to collect taxes
B inability of Congress to declare war
C inability of Congress to sign or enforce treaties
D inability of Congress to create new laws

Answer 1

A — inability of Congress to collect taxes.

Shays’ Rebellion highlighted that under the Articles Congress could not levy taxes to raise revenue or fund a national army, so the federal government lacked the money and power to put down internal uprisings and enforce order.