The New Republic

1. Washington believes that at some level political parties are indeed a good check on the government but still warns people of the dangers of political parties. In his farewell address he states political parties “serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration” and that it is not a spirit to be encouraged. He fears that political parties will creates jealousies between people and riots. He believes that political parties give an open door to foreign influence. He fears that with foreign countries will find access to the United States government and impose its policies on the U.S. government. Washington feared that people will only base their vote for president according to the person's political party and not the person's character.

2 In his farewell address, Washington warns the citizens of America that foreign countries will try to weaken America and destroy its independence. He says, “ in extending out commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible.” Washington advices America that it should have no political connections with other nation and that its only connection should be commerce.

3. Washington was concerned about these two issues because America was still very young and had little experience with political parties and relationships with other nations. He feared that politcal parties will take away the independence that they have worked so hard to create. He especially feared that the democratic republican's with the help from France will take over america. At the time of Washington's farewell address, it was still the beginnings of the American government so, Washington feared that foreign nations could influence it.

4. Today, Political parties dominate the political process. Every president we have had so far was either part of the Democratic of Republican party. Just as Washington assumed the present population just chooses a candidate because they are from their own party. Washington worried that political parties would destroy democracy and go against the consitution but our present political parties are just different view of democracy.

5. Yes, Washington advised america to not get political involved with other nations but we did not listen. They are still applicable today because at anytime political interaction with another country disturbs the country at home.

From Gordon S. Wood story “ The Greatness of George Washington”, I can conclude that Washington does deserve the praise he had received for the past 200 years. Washington was a great war hero, was involved in the Constitutional convention and was elected the first president of the United States but it was his character that determined his Greatness. He was a perfect role model for the 18th century Enlightened man. Without Washington’s moral support the constitution might not even have accepted by the colonists.
Washington was a strict follower of the book of gentility. He valued his appearance in society. He worked all of his life to keep up with his reputation as a hero and leader. He was a perfect role model for every enlightened man during that time. For this reason, the colonist praised him. Every man wanted to be like George Washington. Washington defined what a proper gentleman was supposed to be like. A proper gentleman was a person who was civilized, impartial and was not consumed with only making profit. A gentleman sacrificed his desires for the good of his country and was not involved in religion. Every man during this time strived to be a gentlemen and Washington achieved it so, this achievement made him stand out. It was Washington’s character that led the delegates to choose him as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention. During the Convention Washington rarely contributed ideas but he was important figure because his support for the new constitution meant a lot. People believed and trusted Washington so, his words can persuade people. Washington wrote many letter to his friends showing his excitement about the new government. He helped spread the word of the constitution in a positive way. Some believe that without Washington’s support the constitution would not have been ratified and create a government that still exists today. James Monroe says about Washington, " Be assured, his influence carried this government." He had all the characteristics a Republican leader needed. When Washington became president he devolped the government. He gave it stability and order. Eventhough the constitution layed the rules for a government, it was Washington who carried out these rules.
In conclusion, Washington should always be remember Washington because his character and moral support help lay the Foundation for the government that we have today. Eventhough Washington lived in the past his actions affected our future.