USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress had extremely limited powers. It did not have the authority to fund troops to suppress the rebellion, nor was it empowered to regulate commerce and thereby mitigate the economic hardships of rural workers.

Detailed explanation-2: -The federal government lacked the funds to gather and send troops to New England. The Articles of Confederation explicitly stated a national militia was forbidden. Shays’ supporters infiltrated the federal legislative branch and thwarted attempts to put down the rebellion.

Detailed explanation-3: -With the passage of time, weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation became apparent; Congress commanded little respect and no support from state governments anxious to maintain their power. Congress could not raise funds, regulate trade, or conduct foreign policy without the voluntary agreement of the states.

Detailed explanation-4: -Led by veteran Daniel Shays, the rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles, as it could neither raise the money to pay the veterans nor raise an army to put down the uprising. The national government could not tax citizens directly, only request money from the states.