What event demonstrated the government's ability to suppress rebellion against federal tax policy?

The Whiskey Rebellion is the event that showcased the government's capacity to suppress rebellion against federal tax policy. This uprising occurred in the 1790s in response to a tax imposed on distilled spirits that many farmers, particularly in western Pennsylvania, viewed as unfair. The federal government, under President George Washington, took decisive action to quell the rebellion by mobilizing a militia force that ultimately numbered around 13,000 troops. This response was significant because it not only demonstrated the federal government's willingness to enforce its laws but also established the precedent that the national government had the authority to levy taxes and maintain order.

The defeat of the rebels reinforced the power of the federal government and illustrated its commitment to upholding its policies, even against popular resistance. In contrast, other events listed, such as Shays' Rebellion, highlighted challenges to federal authority, while the Boston Tea Party was a protest against British taxation, and the Philadelphia Convention was focused on drafting the Constitution rather than dealing with rebellion. The Whiskey Rebellion thus stands as a critical moment in early American history that affirmed the strength of the federal government in maintaining order and enforcing tax policy.