Final answer:
Westerners felt cut off from the institutions of the federal government due to a decentralized system, high interest rates for Western farmers, and a weak and inefficient federal government with limited support.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the early years of American history, many Westerners felt cut off from the institutions of the federal government due to several factors:
- The decentralized system, with a strong focus on local governments, made most Americans feel more loyal toward their state government than to Congress or a national government.
- The high interest rates that Western farmers were forced to accept, along with the frequency of foreclosures, led to an East-West divide. This perception of greedy Eastern bankers created a sense of disconnection from the federal government.
- The weak and inefficient federal government of the time had little in place to support those looking for work or provide direct aid to those in need. This lack of support made people seek relief elsewhere, further contributing to the feeling of being cut off from the federal government.