Question

Which statement best explains Washington's stance in this passage?

A) Having different factions can help to address the needs of constituents.
B) Creating divisions within political systems is more harmful than helpful.
C) It is important to establish bonds with foreign nations for future relations.
D) Establishing political parties can help to prevent the rise of despotism.

Answer 1

Washington's stance in this passage can be best explained as establishing political parties can help to prevent the rise of despotism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Washington's stance in this passage can be best explained as D) Establishing political parties can help to prevent the rise of despotism. In the passage, it mentions that Washington warned of the potential negative effects of parties in his farewell address to the nation, including their potentially divisive nature and the fact that they might not always focus on the common good but rather on partisan ends.

However, members of each faction quickly realized that they had a vested interest not only in nominating and electing a president who shared their views, but also in winning other elections. This suggests that Washington recognized the existence of political parties and acknowledged their role in preventing the rise of despotism.