Essay Question. Don't forget to use the RAD (restate the questions, answer the questions, and provide details). 3-5 sentences.

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
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge from the unit, explain Washington's views on Political Parties.

User Icon for Bot GPT 4-o mini Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
28 days ago

In his Farewell Address, George Washington warns against the detrimental effects of political parties, which he views as a threat to national unity and governance. Washington acknowledges that the spirit of party is inherent to human nature, but he believes it exacerbates divisions within society, fostering animosity and conflict among citizens. He contends that political factions can lead to instability and may open the door to foreign influences that jeopardize the country’s independence and well-being. Ultimately, Washington's perspective suggests that the rise of political parties could undermine the very foundations of democracy and governance.