Omar Bennett
George Washington, the first President of the United States, presided over the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787. In his 1796 Farewell Address, Washington defended the Constitution against criticisms, including those levelled by Thomas Jefferson, who led the Democratic-Republicans in opposition to Federalist policies. Washington affirmed popular government and warned against threats to Republican liberty, urging Americans to prioritise their national identity over state or regional affiliations. He also addressed the need for any changes to the Constitution to be made through amendments rather than force, reflecting on the importance of religion and morality in promoting happiness and prosperity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Support for the new constitutional government | Washington expressed his support for the new constitutional government, calling it an improvement upon the Articles of Confederation. |
| Right to alter the government | Washington affirmed the right of the people to alter the government through constitutional amendments, while warning against violent takeovers or obstructing the government's execution of laws. |
| Unity among the states | Washington stressed that independence, peace, safety, prosperity, and liberty depend on unity among the states, urging Americans to prioritize their national identity over regional identities. |
| System of checks and balances | He defended the system of checks and balances and separation of powers as a safeguard against a single person or group seizing control. |
| Importance of religion and morality | Washington emphasized the role of religion and morality in promoting happiness and political prosperity, arguing that religious principles underpin justice and protect rights. |
| Warnings against political parties | He cautioned against the dangers of political parties and sectionalism, believing they could weaken the government and make it vulnerable to foreign and domestic threats. |
| Advice on amending the Constitution | Washington advised against hasty amendments, encouraging thorough consideration before making changes to the Constitution. |
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What You'll Learn
Washington's support for the new constitutional government
George Washington played a significant role in shaping the United States Constitution and supporting the formation of a new constitutional government.
Washington was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention in 1787, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution. Despite initial doubts about the convention's success, he ultimately agreed to attend, recognising the need for a strong national government. Washington's presence and support were crucial in securing the endorsement of the new Constitution.
Washington actively participated in the convention's proceedings, although he spoke sparingly during debates due to his role as presiding officer. His influence was particularly evident in shaping various provisions of the Constitution and securing compromises. The convention delegates presumed that Washington, as a revered figure, would become the first president under the new Constitution, which influenced their proposals for expansive executive powers.
Washington's signature on the cover letter and resolutions accompanying the Constitution carried significant weight and assured they would command attention from the states. He was instrumental in guiding the new government, overseeing the organisation of the executive branch, establishing the nation's capital, and setting precedents for future presidents.
Washington's administration played a pivotal role in shaping the institution of the executive branch, translating the Constitution into a functioning government. His election as the first president under the new Constitution further solidified support for the government. Washington's influence extended beyond his presidency, as he contributed to the traditions of constitutional government and citizenship that continue to shape the nation.
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The dangers of political parties
In his Farewell Address, George Washington addressed the dangers of political parties to the American people, urging unity and warning against the threats to "Republican liberty". He stressed that their independence, peace, safety, prosperity, and liberty were all dependent on a strong union among the states.
Washington warned that political factions may seek to obstruct the execution of laws or prevent the government from exercising its constitutional powers. He believed that violent takeovers of the government should be avoided, and any changes to the Constitution should be made through amendments, not force. He urged Americans to be suspicious of anyone seeking to weaken the constitutional union and to place their national identity above regional identities.
Washington's warnings were given in the context of the rise of two opposing parties within the government: the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Party. Washington favored Hamilton's agenda, which promoted national credit and a financially powerful nation, over Jefferson's agenda, resulting in controversy.
Washington also stressed the importance of religion and morality in promoting political prosperity and argued that religious principles were essential for protecting property, reputation, life, and honor, which are the foundations of justice. He cautioned against the belief that morality could be maintained without religion, stating that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" in a republic.
In conclusion, Washington's Farewell Address emphasized the dangers of political parties and sectionalism, urging Americans to unite under a strong central government and prioritize their national identity to ensure their independence, peace, and liberty. He warned against violent changes to the government and emphasized the importance of religion and morality in maintaining a stable and prosperous republic.
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The importance of religion and morality
George Washington's Farewell Address of 1796 expressed his understanding of republicanism, affirming popular government and warning of threats to "Republican liberty". In this address, Washington defended the Constitution, stating that the system of checks and balances and separation of powers within it were important means of preventing a single person or group from seizing control of the country.
Washington also stressed the importance of religion and morality in promoting private and public happiness and the political prosperity of the nation. He argued that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, life, and honour, which are the foundations of justice. He cautioned against the belief that the nation's morality could be maintained without religion, stating that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" in a republic. Washington's strong support for the importance of religion and morality is one of the most referenced parts of his farewell letter.
Washington urged the American people to place their identity as Americans above their identities as members of a state, city, or region, and to focus their efforts and affection on the country above all other local interests. He warned that the union of states created by the Constitution would come under frequent and focused attacks by foreign and domestic enemies of the country. He also warned against the dangers of political parties and entangling foreign alliances with domestic affairs.
Washington advised that friendship and commerce with all nations were important, but involvement in European wars should be avoided. He believed that the Constitution should only be changed through amendments, and violent takeovers of the government should be avoided at all costs. He urged the people to give the government time to realise its full potential and only amend the Constitution after thorough consideration, rather than making changes based on opinions and hypotheses.
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Warnings against violent takeovers of the government
Violence and threats against elected officials in the United States have been on the rise in recent years. In 2025, a wave of violent threats and incidents targeting elected officials broke out, including death threats, road rage attacks, and kidnapping attempts. This has prompted demands from both parties for additional security funding and enhanced protection measures. The Capitol Police investigated 9,474 threats to lawmakers and their families in 2024, an increase of nearly 1,500 from the previous year.
In the face of these threats, it is important to remember that advocating for the overthrow of the government by force or violence is illegal in the United States. The 18 U.S. Code § 2385 states that it is unlawful for anyone to knowingly or willingly advocate, abet, advise, or teach the necessity or desirability of overthrowing the government by force or violence. This includes printing, publishing, or distributing any written or printed material that advocates for the overthrow of the government, as well as organizing or attempting to organize any group that encourages the overthrow of the government by force or violence.
The consequences for violating this law can be severe, with penalties including fines of up to $20,000 and prison sentences of up to twenty years. These penalties were increased from $10,000 and ten years, respectively, in 1956 to reflect the seriousness of the offense.
Despite these laws and penalties, some individuals still attempt to use their power to target political enemies. For example, Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to weaponize the federal government during a second administration to pursue revenge against his political opponents, including Joe Biden. Trump's threats range from ominous warnings to specific plans for retribution, and he has even reposted violent content from others.
In conclusion, while it is important to respect the right to free speech, it is also crucial to recognize that advocating for the violent overthrow of the government or making threats against elected officials is unlawful and can have severe consequences.
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The right of the people to alter the government
In his 1796 Farewell Address, President George Washington defended the Constitution and affirmed the right of the people to alter the government. He acknowledged that the people had the right to establish a government that served their needs, and that they could change it through constitutional amendments if necessary. Washington urged Americans to be cautious of anyone seeking to weaken the constitutional union or promote sectionalism and political factions, which could lead to riots and insurrection. He stressed the importance of national unity and warned against the dangers of regionalism, partisanship, and foreign influence.
Washington's support for the Constitution and the right of the people to alter the government was influenced by his experiences during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the Convention and securing compromises, particularly on the issue of national supremacy. Washington recognized the need for a strong central government that could act directly on the people and not just through the states. He also understood the challenges of forming a government for a diverse nation with varying cultural and economic interests across thirteen states.
In his Farewell Address, Washington reflected on the emerging issues of the American political landscape and expressed his support for the Constitution eight years after its adoption. He warned against the dangers of political parties, arguing that they could distract the government from its duties and create divisions among the people. Washington urged Americans to place their identity as Americans above their regional affiliations and to give the government time to realize its full potential before making any changes. He believed that amendments should be made only after thorough consideration and when necessary, rather than based on temporary opinions or hypotheses.
Washington's defence of the people's right to alter the government through constitutional means reflected his understanding of republicanism and his commitment to popular government. He recognized the duty of individuals to obey the established government while also affirming the right of the people to institute a new government if the current one became destructive of their rights. Washington's warnings about the threats to "Republican liberty" and his advice on amending the Constitution demonstrated his desire to protect the liberty and prosperity of the American people.
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Frequently asked questions
Washington addresses the criticism that the Constitution does not sufficiently protect against a single person or group seizing control of the country.
Washington defends the Constitution, stating that the system of checks and balances and separation of powers within it are important means of preventing a single person or group from seizing control.
Washington expresses his support for the government eight years after the adoption of the Constitution, calling it an improvement upon the Articles of Confederation. He also warns about threats to "Republican liberty", stressing that the independence, peace, safety, prosperity, and liberty of the American people are dependent upon unity among the states.
Washington delivered his Farewell Address as his second term as president came to a close. In it, he announced his intention to decline a third term in office and reflected on the emerging issues of the American political landscape.
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