"the spirit of resistance to government is...valuable on certain occasions," (p 211) boasted Thomas Jefferson in Alden T. Vaughan's essay "Shays' Rebellion." Truly, Jefferson wanted to applaud the rebellious peoples of the United States for pointing out flaws which weakened their infant government under the Articles of Confederation. Set in 1781 during the early years of this new nation, Vaughan explored the troubles wretched citizens faced after gaining freedom from Britain. Mr. Vaughan's objective in this essay may have been to prove to readers that when the economy of a nation becomes riotous due to intolerable defects in its government, then the revolting of angry citizens is inevitable. Only then can the "powers" of a nation be forced to correct these flaws for the good of their nation and its people.

The colonies of the US may have achieved recognition as a nation and independence from Great Britain, but...