Final answer:
President George Washington's handling of the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated the federal government's capability to enforce federal laws and maintain order.
Step-by-step explanation:
President George Washington's handling of the Whiskey Rebellion was evidence of the federal government's capability to use its authority to enforce federal laws and maintain order within the nation.
In 1791, the U.S. Congress imposed a tax on distilled spirits, which led to widespread opposition and the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. President Washington responded by gathering a militia and leading them to Pennsylvania to suppress the rebellion.
This demonstrated that the federal government had the power to enforce its laws and maintain order, sending a strong message that challenges to its authority would not be tolerated.
Learn more about George Washington's handling of the Whiskey Rebellion