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6. What was the impact of Shay's Rebellion on the need for a Constitutional government?

User TheCarver
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Answer:

Shay's Rebellion was a violent farmer rebellion against increased debts and taxes in Massachusetts.

Articles of Confederation

Shay's rebellion occurred in 1786-1787, while the United States was under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles organized the states into a loose confederation of sovereign states. Under these articles, the federal government could not create a military or put down rebellions. Overall, the Articles created an extremely weak federal government and left the country open to violent revolts.

Impact of Shay's Rebellion

As stated above, Shay's rebellion was a violent uprising against the Massachusetts government. The federal government was powerless to help the state put down the revolt. Eventually, the Massachusetts militia was able to restore the peace. However, this rebellion showed Americans that the Articles were not effective and that something had to change. Americans thought about what could happen if another rebellion started and the state's militia was unable to put it down.

This event directly led to the Constitutional Congress and the writing of the modern Constitution of the United States of America. The new Constitution would create a much stronger federal government with military capabilities.

User Aman Grover
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