Home
My Purpose
Topics
The Constitution
Education
Secret Combinations
Our Decline
Money
Only a Virtuous People
War
Most Recently Added
More...
Founding Documents
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution
The Bill of Rights
The Articles of Confederation
The Magna Carta
Other
Other Resources
Recommended Reading
Authors
What Others Are Saying
How You Can Help
Quote
“There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. — This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. — From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. — A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.”
(
George Washington
,
Farewell Address
,
The Independent Chronicle
, September 17, 1796.)
Related Categories
Political Parties