George Washington Sectionalism Essay

Words: 578
Pages: 3

1. Washington presents a concern for sectionalism within the states. He stated in his address, “...a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between parts can be an adequate substitute.” George Washington is calling for unity within all states. There is no need for different alliances within different sections, but there is a desire for one strong alliance between the United States as a whole. His concern is that if the states don’t unite there will be major separation within the country, which could lead to disturbance of the peace and major safety hazards. Sectionalism is something Washington wanted to avoid, but as the years went by separation became inevitable.
2. Another concern Washington had about the state of the country was the Spirit of Party. Different parties within the political realm cause a major concern for their “...baneful effects of the spirit of the party generally.” His main concerns within this big concern was that the individual would gain absolute power, it would bring about unwanted jealousy, hostility against one another would be prevalent, and the country would become a state of corruption.
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A Spirit of Encroachment is another concern George Washington presented for America. Washington presented many concerns as to why this spirit was wrong in saying, “But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent form of despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual...on the ruins of public liberty.” Washington is warning against power being vested in one person, because this can lead to rights being taken away by force and many other problems. People place the power of usurpation and despotism into man’s hands, which leads to man and his laws being raised higher than God and the true law. Washington tried to warn the country of these serious governmental issues, but in the end this spirit was