Use the excerpt to answer the question. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful [harmful, destructive] effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness [state of being excessive and unpleasant], and is truly their worst enemy. . . . It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments [stirs up] occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated [made easier] access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. . . . George Washington, Farewell Address What does the excerpt say about Washington’s views on political parties? (1 point) Responses Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities. Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities. With several political parties, foreign countries would pose less of a threat. With several political parties, foreign countries would pose less of a threat. The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives. The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives. Leaders of foreign nations could take advantage of different political parties.

Question

Answer 1

The excerpt says that political parties have baneful effects and are the worst enemy of governments, particularly in popular forms of government. It states that political parties agitate communities, cause animosity between different parts of society, and can lead to riot and insurrection. It also suggests that political parties open the door to foreign influence and corruption. Therefore, Washington's views on political parties are negative, emphasizing the dangers and negative consequences they can have on society and government.