Why Was George Washington Opposed
to Political Parties?
In the vast and storied history of this country, there has only ever been one president who did not represent a political party – George Washington. Every man since who has occupied that prestigious position has been elected to represent not only the people, but the platform and policies of a political party.
When President George Washington left public office, he cautioned the nation not to divide themselves into political parties.
In his farewell address, he stated that the spirit of the party, “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.”
Was he able to see into the future and the division his beloved nation would face in the years to come?
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