The inability of the federal government to help the political elite in Massachusetts shut down the rebellion (specifically referring to Shays' Rebellion in 1786-1787) was primarily due to the limitations imposed by the Articles of Confederation. Here are the key points explaining why the federal government was powerless in this situation:
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Lack of Central Authority: The Articles of Confederation established a very weak central government with limited powers. The federal government did not have the authority to levy taxes or regulate commerce, which hindered its ability to generate revenue or fund military operations.
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No Standing Army: The federal government did not possess a standing army or the means to raise one quickly in times of crisis. The reliance on state militias meant that the federal government had no direct military force at its disposal to intervene in domestic uprisings.
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Inability to Raise Funds: The federal government lacked the ability to impose taxes and raise funds, which made it difficult to provide the necessary support for military action. It was dependent on voluntary contributions from states, which were often inadequate.
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Political Division and Reluctance: There was also a lack of political consensus among the states about intervention. Some states were hesitant to get involved in what they perceived as a local issue, and some leaders did not support the federal government's involvement in suppressing the rebellion.
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Fear of Overstepping Authority: There was a cautious approach regarding the use of military force against citizens, as the government wanted to avoid the appearance of tyranny or overreach.
Ultimately, the federal government's inability to respond effectively to the rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which contributed to the call for a stronger central government and the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
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