The extraordinary momentum of the Whiskey Rebellion between 1791 and 1794 is clearly illustrated when following the escalation of violence and contempt for the Whiskey Act. Hostility and violence continued despite the lowered tax in 1792, the presidential proclamations of 1792 and 1794, and a commission’s failed attempt at encouraging Pennsylvanians to pay the mandated excise. Although the readiness to use the Militia Act was established early on by Hamilton and Washington, they waited until all peaceful means were exhausted to utilize the incredible power of the federal government. The authority for this power was granted by the very Constitution being questioned by a dangerous insurgency. The speedy dispersal of the mass gathering at Braddock’s field and the nonviolent arrests that followed the utilization of the Militia Act are a testament to the propriety of the federal action. The success of Hamilton and Washington’s plans stopped an insurgency with the momentum to tear the nation apart while accrediting the roles of the Executive and Legislative Branch. Washington, as the Executive, enforced the constitutional taxation power granted to Congress, in turn, validating the executive and legislative function authorized by the U.S. Constitution. As a result of taxation enforcement, the government collected funds needed to support the repayment of the national debt, as originally planned by Hamilton. With insurgency defeated, government power enforced, and the Constitution validated, the mobilization of the militia is concluded to be authoritative and powerful, but also necessary.