Shays' Rebellion and the Articles of Confederation

Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability to levy taxes and mobilize a military. Economic hardships, especially for farmers like Daniel Shays, led to a rebellion against the Massachusetts government. The central government's lack of power to intervene demonstrated the need for a stronger federal constitution, ultimately leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

What was the primary document governing the United States before the Constitution?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

Which of the following was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It required unanimous consent for amendments

• It did not allow the central government to levy taxes

• It gave too much power to the central government

• It allowed states to print their own money

Why were Revolutionary War veterans particularly upset with the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• They were denied land grants

• They were forced to return to Britain

• They were not paid for their service

• They were not allowed to vote

What economic practice were farmers unable to use to pay their taxes, leading to financial ruin?

• Paying in gold

• Trading with Native Americans

• Subsistence farming

• Bartering with livestock

What was the main reason for the financial ruin faced by the central and Massachusetts state governments?

• High tariffs on imports

• Excessive foreign debt

• Lack of a national bank

• Printing of unbacked money

Who led the rebellion against the Massachusetts government?

• Daniel Shays

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• George Washington

Why was the central government unable to send military forces to suppress Shays' Rebellion?

• Fear of British intervention

• Lack of public support

• Lack of funds

• Prohibition by the Articles of Confederation

What did Shays' Rebellion highlight about the Articles of Confederation?

• The need for a stronger central government

• The effectiveness of state militias

• The importance of state sovereignty

• The success of the Articles in maintaining peace

What was one of the powers that the new Constitution granted to the central government?

• The power to regulate interstate commerce

• The right to appoint state governors

• The authority to print state currencies

• The ability to declare war

Which state was mentioned as needing to be kept on a 'short leash'?

• Massachusetts

• South Carolina

• New York

• Virginia