SC 2.2 I can explain the importance of George Washington’s presidency
SC 2.3 I can evaluate the effects of the creation of political parties
Excerpts from George Washington’s Farewell Address
Friends and Citizens:
The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States
being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating
the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may
conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I
have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.
I have already intimated 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.
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, and is truly their worst
enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party
dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a
frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and
miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute
power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more
fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of
public liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of
sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and
duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the
community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another,
foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which
finds a facilitated 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.
Origins of U.S. Political Parties (Overview)
From Federalists and Whigs to Democrats and Republicans, U.S. politics have been dominated by
political parties. Since the Civil War, the two major parties (the Democratic Party and Republican Party)
have controlled the government, but third parties still fight for a share of the power.
American political parties
Many of the Founding Fathers opposed the formation of political parties, which they feared would
immobilize the government, and parties were therefore not included in the U.S. Constitution. George
Washington was elected without a party; in fact, he strongly warned against political parties and criticized
SC 2.2 I can explain the importance of George Washington’s presidency
SC 2.3 I can evaluate the effects of the creation of political parties
them as quarrelsome and divisive and a hindrance to good government. While the country respected and
admired the first president, parties began to develop around the dominant figures in his administration,
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The two men disagreed on many issues, including the
strength of the central government and constitutional interpretation. During Washington's presidency,
Jefferson's opposition to Hamilton's National Bank and tariffs eventually led to his resignation.
"Origins of U.S. Political Parties (Overview)." American Government. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 28 Sept.
2012.
Reading Questions:
1. Why do you think George Washington states that it is natural for people to want to join political
parties? (paragraph 2 – this question asks for your opinion)
2. In your own words describe 3 reasons why George Washington opposes the formation of
political parties.
3. How does George Washington’s advice about the effects of political parties relate to America
today? (3-4 sentences)