George Washington, in his farewell address, warned us ofmany dangers to the republic..some being concerned withp[olitrical parties, and their
possible corrupting influence.
Some excerpts;
" One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other.
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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.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy." THen he goes on to endorse the moral and religiopus aspects;
" Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity." Washington's farewell address was so lengthy that he did not give it verbally, but had it published.. Here is the text.. It gives us some sense
of the nature of our founding fatherts' minds;
https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/washingtons-farewell-address?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgZCoBhBnEiwAz35Rwsyi2dLPLGUGUYNCcEXOn29IF6C3adviyfK
