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Washington's Farewell Address Analysis

Decent Essays

Washington’s first term as president was supposed to end in 1792, but his colleagues were reluctant to lose him as their leader of numerous qualities and sound judgment, and therefore, urged him to stay on for another term. On February 13, 1793, Washington was again unanimously elected president. During his second term, he pushed for the United States to establish neutrality in international conflicts, and also establish its own identity rather than rely on other nations. Washington also saw the emergence of two opposing political parties, the Federalists and the Republicans, an idea of which he was opposed. As he neared the end of his second term, Washington grew tired, thus, attacks by political opponents and other burdens of the presidency …show more content…

Firstly, Washington expresses his thanks for the opportunity to serve his country. This passion and admiration for his country can be seen in his words, “The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discrimination” (paragraph 10). Secondly, Washington stresses the importance of the Union maintaining independence, peace, liberty, and prosperity. One of the most famous quotes from the address, “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 exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all” exemplifies the passion he had for the freedom and participation of all Americans in governmental processes (paragraph 16). He communicates his fears of the Union being threatened by the political turmoil and partisanship raging throughout the country because of a rise of political parties, attempts to undermine the Constitution’s separation of powers, and the adherence to foreign powers at the expense of America’s best

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