Question

“I have already intimated [warned] 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. . . . The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension . . . is itself a frightful despotism. . . .

“The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. . . . Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.

“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing.”

George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796



Washington most likely wrote about political parties for which of the following purposes?


To warn the public that political parties result in national divisions

Option A,To warn the public that political parties result in national divisions

a

To explain how political parties are good for the economy

Option B,To explain how political parties are good for the economy

b

To assert that political parties only work in democratic republics

Option C,To assert that political parties only work in democratic republics

c

To argue that political parties encourage foreign interference

Answer 1

A — To warn the public that political parties result in national divisions.

Washington calls parties "baneful," describes "alternate domination" and a "spirit of revenge" that produces "frightful despotism," clearly warning against the divisive effects of factions.