Which rebellion was significant for showcasing the federal government's strength under the new Constitution?

The Whiskey Rebellion is significant for demonstrating the federal government's strength under the new Constitution because it was a direct response to the government's ability to levy taxes and maintain order. After the Revolutionary War, the federal government sought to consolidate its authority, in part by imposing a tax on distilled spirits to help pay off war debt. This tax faced considerable opposition, particularly from western farmers in Pennsylvania, who relied on whiskey production for their livelihoods.

When the farmers refused to pay the tax and took up arms against federal tax collectors, President George Washington responded decisively. He led a militia force of around 13,000 troops to quell the rebellion, showcasing the government's commitment to enforcing federal law and maintaining order. The swift suppression of the rebellion signaled to both domestic and international audiences that the new federal government had the will and capability to uphold its laws, a significant step in establishing its authority and legitimacy.

In contrast, other rebellions listed, such as Shays' Rebellion, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation prior to the Constitution and revealed the inability of the government at that time to effectively manage civil unrest. Nat Turner's Rebellion and John Brown's Raid were also not about asserting federal authority under the Constitution but rather about issues of slavery and abolition