George Washington warned against factionalism because he believed it would weaken the republic from within and make self-government unstable and vulnerable. His clearest warning appears in his Farewell Address (1796).

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1. Factionalism Puts Group Interest Above the Common Good

Washington feared that factions—groups bound by ideology, region, or loyalty to a leader—would prioritize their own power over the nation’s welfare. When loyalty to a faction outweighs loyalty to the country, decisions are made for advantage rather than justice or the public good.

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2. It Leads to Political Hostility and Gridlock

He believed factions would inflame resentment, distrust, and revenge between citizens. Instead of cooperation, politics becomes a contest of enemies, making effective governance difficult and eroding mutual respect necessary for a republic to function.

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3. It Opens the Door to Corruption and Demagogues

Washington warned that factions create opportunities for ambitious individuals to manipulate public passions for personal gain. A divided people are easier to mislead, allowing demagogues to rise by promising victory over “the other side.”

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4. It Invites Foreign Influence

Factional conflict, in Washington’s view, makes a nation vulnerable to foreign powers who could exploit divisions to influence policy or weaken national unity—something he saw as a direct threat to independence.

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5. It Undermines the Stability of Self-Government

Ultimately, Washington believed factionalism could cause people to lose faith in republican government itself. Constant conflict might lead citizens to seek stability through authoritarian leadership, ending the very liberty the Revolution fought to secure.

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In Short

Washington didn’t oppose disagreement—he opposed disagreement hardened into permanent camps. He believed unity, moderation, and civic virtue were essential to preserving the American experiment in self-government.