George Washington

In his farewell address, Washington warned of possible dangers ahead.

• As a class we will read and analyze this address and the concerns Washington had for the new country.

In September 1796, worn out by burdens of the presidency and attacks of the political foes, George Washington announced his decision not to seek a third term. With the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, Washington composed in a "Farewell Address" his political testament to the nation. Designed to inspire and guide future generations, the address also set forth Washington's defense of his administration's record and embodied a classic statement of Federalist Doctrine.

Washington's principle concern was for the safety of the eight-year old constitution. He believed that the stability of the Republic was threatened by the forces of geographical sectionalism, political factionalism , and interference by foreign powers in the nations domestic affairs. Writing at a time before political parties had become accepted Washington feared that they carried the seeds of the nation's destruction through petty factionalism. (problems/differences amongst them)

Since 1893 the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of it's members to read the Farewell Address. The assignment alternates between members of each political party. At the conclusion of each reading, the appointed senator inscribes his or her name and brief remarks in a black, leather-bound book maintained by the Secretary of the Senate