George Washington Political Parties

It is without question that George Washington was among one of the greatest Presidents in the history of the United States. Washington was looked up to by his peers, citizens of the United States, and even other leaders. One U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, once stated, “Washington’s is the mightiest name on earth – long since mightiest in the cause of civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation,” (“George Washington’s Farewell Address” 31). This quote exemplifies the amount of respect people of the time had for Washington, which still remains present today. Washington served two terms as President from 1789 to 1797. When his second term came to a close, it was proposed that Washington serve a third term. Despite the amount of people

He stated, “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,” (“George Washington's Farewell Address” 27). This quote shows how serious and passionate Washington was about preserving the union. He stated that it is almost human nature for political parties to form. While this is something that seems so natural to us, the effects of political parties can be detrimental to society as a whole. Washington believed that because of the formation of political parties, politicians would be more interested in “beating” their opponents instead of the welfare of society. Politicians would, in a sense, be putting themselves before the people which they were representing. Washington even compares political parties to a fire, that should not be quenched. He stated, “it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent it bursting into flame, lest instead of warming, it should consume,” (“George Washington's Farewell Address” 28). One way in which this imagery can be interpreted is that while political parties may be useful in society, when used unjustly, can be detrimental. When Washington warned about this in 1796, he knew what he was doing. Washington was well aware of how dangerous the formation of political parties could be. Today, political parties are a norm of society. Nearly every citizen of the United States identify themselves as either Republican or Democrat. Political parties do not always seem like such a bad thing. Political parties allow individuals to share their beliefs and values with people who believe the same thing. In some cases, political parties provide members with a sense of belonging. From a societal standpoint, however, there is a clear divide between members of political parties. Recent elections have especially showcased why Washington warned against the formation of political parties.