In his Farewell Address, George Washington expressed a clear ambivalence towards political parties, indicating a belief that they could be detrimental to the unity and governance of the nation. He warned about the "spirit of party" which he viewed as a source of division and conflict. Washington believed that political parties could lead to "the alternate domination of one faction over another," ultimately undermining the republic's stability and the common good.
By emphasizing the dangers of political factions, Washington seemed to feel that such divisions could incite "the ruin of public liberty." His forewarning about the divisive nature of parties suggests he valued national unity and harmony over partisan interests. Thus, when he left office, Washington likely felt that political parties could jeopardize the foundational principles of democracy and effective governance, advocating for a more united approach to politics rather than one fragmented by party lines.
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