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Difficulty: MediumThe Articles of Confederation and the Northwest Territory

"We have, probably, had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation. Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt & carry into execution, measures the best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power. I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation, without having lodged somewhere a power, which will pervade the whole Union in as energetic a manner, as the authority of the State Governments extends over the several States."
— George Washington, letter to John Jay, August 1, 1786

Which of the following historical events from the 1780s most directly confirmed Washington's fears about the lack of a "coercive power" in the national government?

  1. The outbreak of Shays' Rebellion, which the national government lacked the power and resources to effectively suppress.Answer
  2. B
    The debate over the addition of a Bill of Rights to restrict the power of the newly created federal executive.
  3. C
    The widespread colonial resistance to the Townshend Acts, which demonstrated the limits of centralized taxation.
  4. D
    The partisan division over the establishment of a national bank to fund the federal government's debt.

Answer

The outbreak of Shays' Rebellion, which the national government lacked the power and resources to effectively suppress.
The correct option is the one stating that the outbreak of Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the national government's lack of power and resources to maintain order. Shays' Rebellion, which took place shortly after Washington wrote this letter, directly illustrated the central government's structural inability to raise troops or enforce laws, prompting leaders to convene the Constitutional Convention to establish a stronger national government.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary source quote.
George Washington is expressing concern in 1786 that the Articles of Confederation lacks a 'coercive power' and cannot survive long as a nation without a stronger central government.
To understand the core problem Washington is identifying (lack of national enforcement and military power).
2
Link Washington's concern to historical events of the 1780s.
Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) was an armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts that the Confederation Congress could not suppress due to lack of a standing army and financial resources.
To find the specific historical development that directly illustrated the national government's inability to maintain order or deploy coercive force.
3
Evaluate the distractors against the timeline and context.
The Bill of Rights debate and Hamilton-Jefferson bank disputes occurred under the Constitution, while the Townshend Acts protests occurred before the Confederation existed.
To eliminate options that involve chronological errors or distinct constitutional debates.

Key Concept

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the impact of Shays' Rebellion
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The Articles of Confederation and the Northwest Territory

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