George Washington Dbq Analysis

Much to his dismay, George Washington took upon himself a second term in office as President of the United States. Upon the end of this second term, he decided to voice his opinions of the future of the young nation. As one would expect, Washington still has an optimistic outlook for the country, to which end he warns against the possible threats that could tear it apart. Early on in his lengthy Farewell Address, George Washington insists that, “The Unity of Government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so.” (Great Documents 50). Here it is apparent that Washington is praising the government he is currently part of for the sake of reminding the people that while there were some struggles in the institution of this new system, it is running smoothly for the time being and linking them all in ways that are new to their understanding. Before the constitution, the only linking factor the colonies had was to the crown in England. Through their declaration and revolution, they became in need of a …show more content…
Yet, Madison also is keen to promote the unity of the United States of America. The Federalist publications, after all, were the means to an end of gaining support for the ratification of the constitution which proposed a centralized, or Federal, government. Madison exemplifies the glory of a republic, on the size of the United States, when he goes to say, “Hence, it clearly appears that the same advantage which a republic has over a democracy, in controlling the effects of faction, is enjoyed by a large over a small republic.” (Great Documents 41). After this new republic has been practiced for eight years under Washington, one could say that it appeared to be justly unifying. Especially if it has greater advantages than previously thought as Madison eludes to in this tenth edition of The