The Whiskey Rebellion serves as an early example of a security threat that arose from what type of dispute?

The Whiskey Rebellion is indeed an early example of a security threat stemming from a domestic dispute over taxes. This event took place in the 1790s when farmers in Western Pennsylvania rebelled against a federal excise tax on whiskey. The tax was part of the government's efforts to manage its debt and establish a financial foundation for the new nation. Many farmers relied on distilling their grain into whiskey for their livelihoods and saw the tax as an unfair burden that threatened their economic well-being.

This uprising highlighted the tensions between the federal government and its citizens, particularly in rural areas where production and trade were deeply integrated into daily life. The rebellion ultimately tested the federal government’s ability to enforce its laws and maintain order, reflecting broader themes of governance, representation, and the limits of authority. The government's response, which included the mobilization of federal troops to suppress the rebellion, underscored the importance of resolving domestic disputes effectively to ensure national security and stability.