Question

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the confederation congress as created by the articles of confederation. how did shays' rebellion illustrate those strengths or weaknesses?

Answer 1

The Confederation suffered in a few ways. For one, it lacked the right to impose taxes, meaning that their was no stable form government revenue. Second, it lacked an executive branch to enforce laws and a national court system to interpret them. While there was a legislative body, they were limited in their law making capabilities, and could not impose laws against the will of any state. It was an ineffective bottom heavy federal system that ultimatly failed. Shay's rebellion was a major example of how the people disapproved of the system. The overbearing state governments were deemed unruly due to practice of civil rights and economic injustices. Once the rebellion was finally put down in February of 1787, it was realized that something had to change. Thus, the constitutional convention was held, which established the federal CR system we see in place today.