Washingtons Farewell Address - Article Example

From this study it is clear that Washington said that he was never really qualified to be the president of such a huge nation and everything he had achieved during his tenure was because of the support of the public. Washington's primary focus in his farewell address was on the unity of the states and the people. He stressed that the country would only succeed and survive if all the states of the country remain united. He warned the American Public that the safety and prosperity of the nation would always be threatened by domestic as well as foreign elements and unity is their only weapon against these enemies of the nation.

This paper outlines that Washing also emphasized on the negativities of sectionalism and voiced his concerns over the creation of political parties. His warning was particularly targeted at the creation of Jefferson's Democratic - Republican Party. He acknowledges the healthy role political parties can play in promoting democracy but he advises them not to create disunity. These political parties can promote democracy and freedom in a totalitarian environment but that does not always happen. He points out that the creation of too many political parties can promote disunity and hamper the functioning of the government.

 A large part of Washington's farewell address is dedicated to the discussion of foreign policies and their impact on the nation. Washington advised that the foreign policy should be one which promotes 'peace' and harmony.. The Country should always prefer peace over war and fighting on behalf of a friendly nation on an unjust cause would only harm the goodwill of the country and should always be avoided. He is against the formation of permanent foreign political alliances. He argues that permanent alliances especially with the European countries would not be in the best interests of the country.

He opines that trade relationships should be promoted without forming political alliances. This would allow the government to remain neutral on the political issues and to have more focus in the internal affairs of the country which would consequently result in prosperity. He shows his support for the newly formed constitutional government. He believes that it is the right of the people to have a say in the functioning of the government but this should only be done through the constitutional amendments.

If the American public is against the policies and working of the government, they should turn to constitutional amendments rather than rebellion or revolution. This would ensure the proper political and economic functioning of the country. He warns that manipulating the amendments with the intention to overthrow the government could prove detrimental for the country and any constitutional amendment should be made when it is deemed absolutely necessary and after adequate consideration. He also dedicates a small part of his address to talk about religion, education and morality.

In his address, he says that moral values play an important role in maintaining justice and public happiness and that morality is interlinked with the religion. And since religion and morality protect and talk about safeguard of live, honour and property, they are important for the public prosperity. He has also