In his farewell address, Washington warned against permanent foreign alliances and?
A. The unjust oppression of black slaves
B. The formation of political factions.
C. The power of the moneyed interests.
D. Lowering the tariff on imported goods.
http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/washingtons-farewell-address
............I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume. .......etc
B. The formation of political factions.
To find the answer to this question, we can start by understanding the context of Washington's farewell address. Washington delivered his farewell address in 1796, at the end of his second term as the first President of the United States.
One of the key themes of Washington's farewell address was his warning against permanent foreign alliances. Washington believed that the United States should avoid entangling itself in long-term alliances with foreign nations because he feared it would lead to a loss of independence and potentially drag the country into unnecessary conflicts.
Now, we can examine the options provided in the question to identify the statement that aligns with Washington's warning against permanent foreign alliances:
A. The unjust oppression of black slaves: While Washington did own slaves himself, his farewell address did not specifically address the issue of slavery. Rather, it primarily focused on foreign policy concerns.
B. The formation of political factions: This answer seems to align with Washington's concerns. In his farewell address, he warned against the formation of political factions or parties. He believed that such divisions could lead to internal conflicts and weaken the nation's unity.
C. The power of the moneyed interests: While Washington did express concerns about the influence of special interests, such as wealthy individuals and institutions, his specific focus in the farewell address was on the dangers of permanent foreign alliances.
D. Lowering the tariff on imported goods: This answer does not directly relate to Washington's warning against permanent foreign alliances. It is more related to economic policy rather than foreign policy.
Thus, the correct answer is B. The formation of political factions, as Washington warned against it in his farewell address while also cautioning against permanent foreign alliances.