1.4 Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

Question 1

Articles of Confederation*

Answer 1

weakness of this document include:
1. lack of centralized military power to address Shays’ Rebellion
2. Lack of an executive branch to enforce laws, including taxation
3. Lack of a national court system
4. Lack of power to regulate interstate commerce
5. Lack of power to coin money

Question 2

Shays’ Rebellion

Answer 2

Shays’s Rebellion was an armed uprising in western Massachusetts from 1786–1787 that protested the state government’s economic policies and political corruption. The rebellion was motivated by a number of factors, including:
1. Taxes: Farmers were outraged at the state’s high taxes
2. Debt crisis: Citizens were struggling with debt
3. Economic decline: The region was experiencing economic hardship
4. Conservative government: Some believed the government was too conservative