Which of the following answer choices best represents the historical event from the early years of the American republic that most directly reinforced the supremacy of the federal government?
Thomas Jefferson’s formation of the Democratic-Republicans
Alexander Hamilton’s influence on the writing of the Bill of Rights
George Washington’s suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion
George Washington’s acceptance of the Newburgh Conspiracy
C?
I agree.
Yes, the answer is C: George Washington's suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. This event from the early years of the American republic directly reinforced the supremacy of the federal government.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down each answer choice:
A: Thomas Jefferson's formation of the Democratic-Republicans: While the formation of the Democratic-Republicans by Thomas Jefferson was a significant event, it did not directly reinforce the supremacy of the federal government. In fact, the Democratic-Republicans were more inclined towards states' rights and limiting the power of the federal government.
B: Alexander Hamilton's influence on the writing of the Bill of Rights: Alexander Hamilton played a role in the ratification of the United States Constitution and later worked on the Federalist Papers, supporting a strong federal government. However, the Bill of Rights was actually created to protect individual rights and restrict the power of the federal government.
C: George Washington's suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion: This event occurred in 1794 when farmers in western Pennsylvania rebelled against a federal excise tax on whiskey. President George Washington responded by sending a federal army to suppress the rebellion. By using the military force of the federal government to enforce federal law, Washington reinforced the supremacy of the federal government.
D: George Washington's acceptance of the Newburgh Conspiracy: The Newburgh Conspiracy was an event that took place during the American Revolutionary War. It involved some military officers considering a coup against the Continental Congress due to grievances over pay and pensions. While George Washington played a crucial role in defusing the conspiracy, it does not directly relate to the supremacy of the federal government.
Therefore, the best choice among the given options that represents a historical event from the early years of the American republic directly reinforcing the supremacy of the federal government is C: George Washington's suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion.