From: Anonymous Two
Date: 2/29/00
Time: 8:17:04 AM
Remote Name: 155.247.228.218
What advice did George Washington give his Fellow Americans about the role of the federal government in American life? George Washington felt the the federal government was to serve as a "support beam" in binding the American people together. The federal government was to be the corner stone of American inde- pendence and and was to provide reassurance of security on the mainland (North America), provide protection to the American people while visiting other countries aborad, allow opportunities of groth and prosperity, and most importantly, maintain their freedom. The federal government was to prioritize the individual and collective happiness of Americans in making decisions on policy. The government has the responsibility to hold together all parts/regions of the country, promote patriotism and national proide so that all people feel as one and encourage its preservation. Washington empasized that the government's "most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole." In other words, the fist is mightier than the hand. The unity of all states, joined by one government willl flourish into a great powerful country which will be recognized by all foreign powers as a nation of strong willed, unified people who will not be overthrown and man- ipulated. The government's role is to efficientyl manae the country's "common concerns, secure and guard its indispensible liberty".
What advice did he give them about politics? About foreign relations? Washington warned Americans about the tendency of political parties and factions forming as a result of the need for people to seek security in someone who has established himself financially. Usually the fortunate, well-off, more popular candidate is self-moti- vated and is not concerned for the well-being of his less fortunate constituents. Politicans who propagate into factions of a "spirit of party" and focus soley on facilitating animosity disrupting the est- ablished government (people's government) are likely to "opening doors to foreign influence and corruptions...subjecting one country's policy to the will of another." He suggests the implementation of checks and balances to discourage overly zealous agendas, mis-use of power, and political corruption. Washington insists on the necessity of religion in order to retain national morality and maintain political prosperity. He discusses the importance of the government accumulating revenue through taxation to pay for a national military. However he emphasizes that taxes must be reasonable and not overwhelming and the revenue should be spent wisely and sparingly to "avoid the accumulation of debt." Debts should be paid-off as quickly as possible, in times of peace, without depleting revenues. Washington felt America should not become involved in foreign affairs and should remain neutral except in maintaining a peaceful, harmonious foreign commercial policy. He felt the federal govern- ment should not commit to any permanent alliance which would bind America into exclusive favors and jeopardize its independence.