Question

how did shays rebellion highlight the weaknesses of the articles of confederation?

a. it demonstrated the need for a national court system to prosecute rebellion leaders.

b. it showed that the federal government lacked the power to enforce laws and maintain order.

c. it revealed that the president needed more power to control the state

d. it led to a compromise between large and small states over representation.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Shays’ Rebellion was about the federal government’s inability to maintain order, not a national court system for prosecution. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no power to raise an army or enforce laws. Shays’ Rebellion (a revolt by farmers) showed the federal government could not stop the rebellion, highlighting its lack of authority to maintain order. This matches.
• Option C: The Articles of Confederation had no president (the presidency was established later with the Constitution). Eliminate C.
• Option D: The Great Compromise (about representation) was separate from Shays’ Rebellion. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. It showed that the federal government lacked the power to enforce laws and maintain order.