What event directly prompted the drafting of the U.S. Constitution?

The event that directly prompted the drafting of the U.S. Constitution was Shays' Rebellion. This uprising, which occurred in 1786-1787, was a direct response to economic hardships and governmental policies perceived as unfavorable to farmers and rural citizens. The rebellion underscored the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, specifically the federal government's inability to maintain order or provide for economic stability.

The unrest highlighted the need for a stronger central government capable of addressing issues such as taxation, trade regulation, and maintaining civil order, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Delegates gathered in Philadelphia to create a new framework for governance, resulting in the U.S. Constitution, which sought to remedy the faults of the previous system and establish a more effective federal structure.

While other significant events like the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the Revolutionary War played crucial roles in the broader context of American independence and governance, it was Shays' Rebellion that specifically indicated the immediate need for the Constitution.