Final answer:
George Washington advised the United States to avoid excessive political party spirit and geographical distinctions, warned against long-term foreign alliances, emphasized the importance of education, advocated for fiscal responsibility, and urged for a balanced government that is guarded against pretended patriotism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before leaving office, George Washington gave several pieces of advice in his Farewell Address. First, he encouraged the nation to avoid excessive political party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances. Washington emphasized the importance of education for citizens in a democracy.
He also spoke about fiscal responsibility, and argued against the accumulation of debt. He advocated for a balanced government that is guarded against the impostures of pretended patriotism. His key message was essentially to encourage American unity, cautioning against the dangers of divisive party politics and foreign entanglements.
These pieces of advice express Washington's understanding of republicanism, a political philosophy that was crucial to the nation's foundation. He modeled his behavior on that of Roman aristocrat Cincinnatus, retiring from public service and returning to his estate, much like Cincinnatus did after serving as a public servant in the Roman Republic.
Learn more about George Washington's Farewell Address