<P> Vermont, then an unrecognized independent republic that had been seeking statehood independent from New York's claims to the territory, became an unexpected beneficiary of the rebellion due to its sheltering of the rebel ringleaders . Alexander Hamilton broke from other New Yorkers, including major landowners with claims on Vermont territory, calling for the state to recognize and support Vermont's bid for admission to the union . He cited Vermont's de facto independence and its ability to cause trouble by providing support to the discontented from neighboring states as reasons, and introduced legislation that broke the impasse between New York and Vermont . Vermonters responded favorably to the overture, publicly pushing Eli Parsons and Luke Day out of the state (but quietly continuing to support others). After negotiations with New York and the passage of the new constitution, Vermont became the fourteenth state . </P> <P> Thomas Jefferson, who was serving as ambassador to France at the time, refused to be alarmed by Shays' Rebellion . In a letter to James Madison on January 30, 1787, he argued that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing . "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants . It is its natural manure ." </P> <P> In contrast to Jefferson's sentiments George Washington, who had been calling for constitutional reform for many years, wrote in a letter to Henry Lee, "You talk, my good sir, of employing influence to appease the present tumults in Massachusetts . I know not where that influence is to be found, or, if attainable, that it would be a proper remedy for the disorders . Influence is not government . Let us have a government by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be secured, or let us know the worst at once ." </P> <P> At the time of the rebellion, the weaknesses of the federal government as constituted under the Articles of Confederation were apparent to many . A vigorous debate was going on throughout the states on the need for a stronger central government, with Federalists arguing for the idea, and Anti-Federalists opposing them . Historical opinion is divided on what sort of role the rebellion played in the formation and later ratification of the United States Constitution, although most scholars agree it played some role, at least temporarily drawing some anti-Federalists to the strong government side . </P>

What was the government's response to shays rebellion