Question

“how sad is the thinking, that in so short a space, we should have made such large strides towards fulfilling the prediction of our transatlantic foe! “leave them to themselves, and their government will soon dissolve.” will not the wise & good try hard to avert(stop) this evil? what stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders (shays’ rebellion)? if there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property?” - letter to james madison from george washington, 5 november 1786

1. who does washington refer to as the “transatlantic foe”?
2. what did shays’ rebellion show the united states needed to maintain order?
3. using prior knowledge, which branch of government do you think george washington is referring to that will enforce the law?

Explanation:

1. In the context of post - Revolutionary America, the "transatlantic foe" likely refers to Britain, which was across the Atlantic Ocean and had been in conflict with the US.
2. Shays' Rebellion showed that the US needed a stronger central government with the power to maintain law and order, as the existing Articles of Confederation government was too weak to deal with such unrest.
3. George Washington, in thinking about law - enforcement, would likely be referring to the executive branch, which is responsible for executing and enforcing laws.

Answer:

1. Britain
2. A stronger central government
3. The executive branch