Farewell Address: On Factions [excerpt]

“I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on Geographical discriminations. Let me now … warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of Party, generally…

The alternative domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension … is itself a frightful despotism…

It serves always to distract the Public Council and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one party against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”