George Washington's Farewell Speech

The Constitution is one of the most important documents in America. We look back to this constitution for many different things. It contains so many important things that America looks back at each and every day to make decisions or to uphold rules the different political powers have to abide by.

 

An important leader by the name of George Washington had some concerns for this document. He knew how important this document is and knew that the America he lived in that day is different than the one we live in today. Even back then he saw different issues that would arise with this precious document.

 

George Washington had his concerns for the constitution. His concerns reside in forces of geographical sectionalism, political factionalism, and interference by foreign powers in the nation’s domestic affairs. He talks about how these will cause issues on the future of America.

 

To put in laymen terms, he basically was saying he was leaving office and that we should stay out of the business that is Europe. The biggest thing that I believe we should have really paid attention to is that we do not need political parties. That political parties will cause the “United” states to be a divided state. Which is what we are seeing today.

 

One of his points was the problems that may arise if we enforce geographical sectionalism. This means putting a state need above all other states based on where they are. This can cause some division and can cause a superiority among the states. An example of this during the Civil War, the North and South butting heads and believing their side is right but not focusing on the difference they share based off their geography.

 

Another warning is political factions. This can be brought down to having a two-party system. This system causes so many issues for America. During voting season, the country becomes very divided. Everything becomes politicized. This would not happen if we opened up the options of multiple parties running. This helps provide voices to everyone and to not be thrown into the stereotypes that come with being labeled Republican and Democrat.

 

Lastly, he talks about the Nation’s Domestic affairs. Which just means watch what we put our two cents into. I do not really have to go into much detail about that. I could sum it up to the whole two World Wars we had. Then the amount of debt we occurred after those wars has started a ripple effect in the amount of debt we have.

Sources I used:

https://jeffersonpapers.princeton.edu/selected-documents/thomas-jefferson-james-madison

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution/what-does-it-say#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20of%20the%20United,structured%20and%20how%20it%20operates.

https://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm#:~:text=Written%20in%201787%2C%20ratified%20in,exists%20to%20serve%20its%20citizens.

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Washingtons_Farewell_Address.pdf