Directions for Written Response #7: Washingtons Farewell Address

You will be asked to write a paper explaining why Washington warned against the spirit
of party in his Farewell Address.
1. Number the paragraphs in the excerpt from the Farewell Address.
2. Read the first two paragraphs of the excerpt and mark the text while you read
(circle words you dont know, high-light important information, and make margin
notes regarding what you have high-lighted).
3. Discuss with a partner what you have high-lighted, and what is essentially being
said in the first two paragraphs.
4. Working with a group or partner, answer the following questions in your
notebook:
a. In the first paragraph, what does Washington mean by the baneful effects
of the spirit of party?
b. In the second paragraph, Washington states that the spirit of party is more
or less stifled, controlled, or repressed in most governments. Why is this
true?
c. What do you think Washington means by but, those of the popular form,
it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy? Why is
this true in governments of the popular form?
5. Read the third paragraph of the excerpt and mark the text while you read.
6. Discuss with a partner why you high-lighted what you did, and what the
paragraph is essentially saying.
7. With a partner or group, answer the following questions in your notebook:
a. In the third paragraph, according to Washington, what is itself a frightful
despotism?
b. Interpret the last sentence of the third paragraph, beginning with the words
the disorders and miseries and ending with the words ruins of public
liberty.
8. Read the fourth and fifth paragraphs of the excerpt and mark the text while you
read.
9. Discuss with a partner why you high-lighted what you did, and what the
paragraphs are essentially saying.
10. With a partner or group, answer the following questions in your notebook:
a. Interpret the fourth paragraph. What is Washington basically saying?
b. In your own words, list three reasons why Washington finds fault with
political parties.
c. Why does Washington state, Thus the policy and will of one country are
subjected to the policy and will of another?
11. Read the sixth paragraph of the excerpt and mark the text while you read.
12. Discuss with a partner why you high-lighted what you did, and what the
paragraph is essentially saying.
13. With a partner or group, answer the following questions in your notebook:
a. In the sixth paragraph, according to Washington, when should political
parties be looked on with favor?

b. When should the spirit of party not be encouraged? Why not?

c. What is meant in the last sentence beginning with A fire not to be
quenched and ending with it should consume?
Homework: Write a 1 to 1 page paper explaining why Washington warned against the
spirit of party. Use 12 point font, 1.5 line spacing, and 1 inch margins. Be sure to proof
read your papers. Your paper should include an introduction with a clearly stated thesis.
Papers should have between 1 and 3 body paragraphs that support your thesis. Papers
should include a conclusion. You should have a minimum of 4 quotes from the primary
source. Remember, you must come up with your own thesis this time!