Government Washington's Farewell Address Analysis Rubric

Govt 200washingtons Farewell Address Analysis Grading Rubriccriteriap

For this assignment, you will analyze the major points of George Washington’s “Farewell Address” and write a 3-page analysis, considering contemporary government and including differing points of view. Be sure to adhere to the format specified in the Course Style Guidelines document. Your analysis must adhere to the following specifications:

• No more than 3 double-spaced pages (12-point font with 1-inch margins).
• Must include a title page (not counted in total page number) that contains:
  • A title,
  • Your name,
  • Your section (GOVT 200-S02),
  • Your instructor’s name, and
  • The date the assignment is due (all single-spaced in the footer of the cover page).
• No page number is necessary for the cover page or for the first page in the body of the paper.
• Pay particular attention to the grading rubric for how your paper will be graded.

Paper For Above instruction

The farewell speech given by President George Washington in 1796 constitutes one of the most significant and enduring documents in American political history. It encapsulates Washington’s vision for the young nation and offers guidance on domestic and foreign policy that continues to resonate in contemporary governance debates. Analyzing Washington’s address through a modern lens reveals both timeless principles and areas where contemporary issues diverge, highlighting the evolution of American political thought and practice.

At the core of Washington’s farewell address is a call for national unity and a warning against political factions and entangling alliances. Washington emphasized the importance of maintaining independence from foreign powers and fostering internal harmony. He warned against the dangers of sectionalism and party politics, which he believed could undermine national stability. In today’s context, these principles remain pertinent, as political polarization persists, and debates over international commitments, such as military alliances or trade agreements, continue to dominate policy discussions. For example, Washington’s caution against excessive foreign entanglements is echoed today in debates over troop commitments in foreign conflicts and the role of international organizations.

Furthermore, Washington’s advocacy for a government rooted in constitutional principles aligns with current debates over governmental authority and individual rights. Washington urged Americans to uphold the Constitution as the foundation of national stability. Today, discussions about constitutional rights, the scope of executive power, and judicial independence continue to reflect the ongoing relevance of these foundational values. The balance between federal authority and states' rights, a contentious issue now, echoes Washington’s emphasis on constitutional fidelity.

Washington’s emphasis on moral virtue and civic responsibility also resonates with contemporary concerns about political ethics and leadership integrity. He believed that the preservation of the republic depended on the virtue of its citizens and leaders. Modern political discourse often highlights ethical standards, transparency, and accountability, underscoring Washington’s core message about the importance of moral responsibility in government.

However, some of Washington’s cautions require nuanced reinterpretation today. His opposition to political parties, while historically rooted, has proven challenging to maintain in modern governance, where party politics are central to policymaking and electoral processes. The rise of partisanship has, in many ways, complicated efforts to unite the nation as Washington envisioned. The increasing influence of special interests and political polarization demonstrates the difficulty of maintaining the unity Washington sought to protect.

Additionally, Washington’s stance on foreign alliances—preferring neutrality—clashes with contemporary globalized realities where strategic alliances, international trade, and global security are pivotal. For instance, modern foreign policy often relies on complex alliances like NATO, and engagement in international institutions reflects a nuanced departure from Washington’s preference for avoiding permanent foreign entanglements. While his cautions on overcommitment are still valid, the interconnectedness of today’s world necessitates a more active international role.

In conclusion, Washington’s farewell address offers enduring insights into American political philosophy: the importance of unity, constitutional fidelity, moral virtue, and cautious foreign policy. While some principles remain timeless, the complexities introduced by modern political, social, and international forces require adaptations of his ideas. Contemporary governance continues to grapple with these themes, and Washington’s address provides both a foundation and a point of reflection for current and future policymakers. Further study could explore how his principles are applied across different political contexts and how evolving global dynamics influence the relevance of his warnings.

References

• Flexner, J. T. (1960). Washington: The Indispensable Man. Little, Brown, and Company.
• Maier, P. (2010). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Walker, J. (2008). The Presidency of George Washington. University Press of Kansas.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Rakove, J. (2010). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage Books.
• Ellis, J. J. (2004). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Knopf.
• Finkelman, P. (2007). Jefferson and Civil Liberties. University of Virginia Press.
• Chernow, R. (2010). Washington: A Life. Penguin Press.
• McCullough, D. (2001). John Adams. Simon & Schuster.
• Hamilton, A., Madison, J., Jay, J. (2008). The Federalist Papers. Signet Classics.