Question

questions 4 through 6 refer to the following. some opponents of the constitutional action that the government of the united states is destitute of energy. they contend against conferring (those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. they seem willing to airy an experiment and to risk our double, or an augmentation of federal authority, without a definition of their objective, of necessity in the union, and complete independence in the member’s. the framers find a full display of the principal defects of the confederation has insecurity, in order to shew that the evils were experienced the act proceeded from minors or partial considerations, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. the united states are on the point of dissolution, or rather total for rent and misery, but they have too much serenity to rise either by regulations extending to the individual citizens of america. the consequences of this, though in theory union per in resolutions concerning these objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the states observe or disregard at their option. alexander hamilton, the federalist no. 15 question 4: which of the following experiences most likely influenced the framers’ concern as in the passage? a. the increased centralization of power in the national legislature under the articles of confederation b. shays’ rebellion, which was an armed response to the inadequacy of the national government to address unfair economic state policies c. the tension between states relying on commerce and those relying on agriculture d. passage of the intolerable acts and other taxes during the revolutionary period

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the passage and options:

1. Analyze Option A: The passage discusses the Constitutional Convention’s aim to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation (like lack of federal power). The "increased centralization of power in the national legislature under the Articles of Confederation" is incorrect because the Articles had a weak national legislature. Eliminate A.

1. Analyze Option B: The passage states the Convention aimed to fix issues where states acted independently (e.g., "no authority to raise either by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America"). A "state’s rebellion (Shays’ Rebellion) as an armed response to the inadequacy of the national government to address unfair economic state policies" aligns with this context—Shays’ Rebellion exposed the national government’s weakness, influencing the Convention. This matches.

1. Analyze Option C: The passage focuses on national - state power dynamics, not state - state tensions over commerce/agriculture. Eliminate C.

1. Analyze Option D: The passage is about the Constitutional Convention, not the "passage of the Stamp Act and other taxes during the revolutionary period" (the Stamp Act was pre - Constitution, and the passage’s focus is on post - Articles reform). Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Shays’ Rebellion, which was an armed response to the inadequacy of the national government to address unfair economic state policies.