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 Question What does the excerpt say about Washington’s views on political parties? (1 point) Responses The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives. The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives. Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities. Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities. Leaders of foreign nations could take advantage of different political parties. Leaders of foreign nations could take advantage of different political parties. With several political parties, foreign countries would pose less of a threat.
The excerpt says that Washington views political parties as harmful and warns against their baneful effects. He states that the spirit of party is inherently present in human nature and can cause division, animosity, riot, and insurrection within a community. Furthermore, he expresses concern that political parties can open the door to foreign influence and corruption, compromising the policy and will of one country to that of another. Therefore, Washington suggests that political parties may lead to unrest in American communities and that foreign leaders could take advantage of the divisions caused by these parties.
