The first main point in George Washington’s Farewell Address has to do with his time as president coming to an end. He is explaining how he was going to retire before he was elected for his second term, but after consideration and advice from others he decided not to do so. So, he was re-elected and now that his second term is coming to a close he is speaking of “…the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life…”(GWFA, 1796) Basically, George Washington was honored to serve the United States, but he is ready to retire and looking very much forward to it. George Washington then goes on to discuss unity within the country. He states, “The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize” (GWFA, 1796). He describes the relationships that each of the regions of the country have with one another and it seems that they were working together on many levels and helping each other. Mr. Washington explains that this unity is not only a good thing within the country, but will also strengthen it against outside attacks of which is utterly important. The importance of the Constitution is the third main point. George Washington says that the Constitution is “better calculated than your former for an intimate union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns” (GWFA, 1796). He talks about how the Constitution is an obligation for every citizen to obey and follow. His words on this are, “The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government” (GWFA, 1796). I don’t believe it could have been said any better than that! 3 George Washington discusses different ways that the Constitution may and will be assaulted in the future so that the people will be on guard about it and defend it as it should be. He explains how certain men may attempt to create factions that will divide instead of unite the people and the fact that it can be fatal to the country or Constitution. He then states, “Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principle, however specious the pretexts” (GWFA, 1796). In his Farewell Address, George Washington warns the people about the spirit of party. This is concerning parties in the State and that this forming of factions divides, not unites. There is also a spirit of
