Final answer:
Congress failed to act decisively during the rebellion due to the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, such as the inability to tax, raise an army, or enforce national laws, which led to calls for a stronger federal government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The failure of the Congress to take further steps to quell the rebellion or address the issues arose from the inherent weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Lacking the power to tax, raise an army, or enforce laws, the Confederation Congress could not provide an effective response to the domestic unrest exemplified by Shays' Rebellion. The individual states, prioritizing their own interests, largely ignored Congress' requests and laws, thus undermining its authority. The unrest among the farmers and the inability of Congress to intervene effectively highlighted the need for a stronger central government that could maintain peace and unify the nation, a sentiment echoed by prominent leaders of the time.