Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the
baneful [harmful, destructive] 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 [state of being excessive
and unpleasant], and is truly their worst enemy....
It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one
part against another, foments [stirs up] occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign
influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated [made easier] 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....
George Washington, Farewell Address
Essay Question (Don't forget to use RAD Restate the questions, Answer the question, and provide Details....Good essay questions should be at least 3-5 sentences. This is a deep question and requires at least three-five sentences to fully address the topic.)
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge from the unit, explain Washington's views on Political Parties.
Based on the excerpt and my knowledge from the unit, George Washington viewed political parties as detrimental to the functioning of a government. He believed that the spirit of party was inherent in human nature and could not be eliminated, but it needed to be controlled and repressed. In particular, Washington saw political parties as causing division and animosity within a community, leading to ill-founded jealousies and false alarms. Furthermore, he argued that party passions opened the door to foreign influence and corruption, which undermined the policy and will of the country. Overall, Washington viewed political parties as the worst enemy of popular governments.
Restating the question: What were George Washington's views on political parties, as evident in the provided excerpt and our knowledge from the unit?
Answering the question: In the excerpt from George Washington's Farewell Address, he expresses a stern warning against the detrimental effects of political parties. Washington argues that the spirit of party politics is inherent in human nature but is particularly harmful in popular governments. He believes that political parties create division, animosity, and false alarms within the community, leading to riot and insurrection. Additionally, Washington raises concerns about the potential for foreign influence and corruption, as party passions can compromise the policy and will of one country. Overall, Washington's views on political parties emphasize their negative impact on governance and national unity.