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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington warns against the dangers of political parties, especially those formed along geographical lines.
- In plain terms
- Political parties can harm the state.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid dividing the nation along party lines.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is political opposition ever healthy?
- How to prevent regional splits?
Another view
Some form of organized political opinion is inevitable.
More from George Washington
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time ex…
Permalink to quote #55 The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries ha…
Permalink to quote #57 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate s…
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