Question

From Washington's Farewell Address by George Washington

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true-and in governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming it should consume. It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotismWhich phrase in the passage helps clarify the meaning of the word despotism?

A. "spirit of liberty"

B. "habit of thinking"

C. "uniform vigilance"

D. "real despotism"

Answer 1

The phrase 'real despotism' in the passage helps clarify the meaning of the word 'despotism,' referring to the consolidation of power in all government departments.

The Correct Option is: D. "real despotism"

Step-by-step explanation:

Within the passage, the phrase that helps clarify the meaning of the word 'despotism' is 'real despotism.' This phrase indicates that the spirit of party can lead to the consolidation of power in all government departments, creating a despotic system. It emphasizes the danger of the encroachment of power and the need for constant vigilance to prevent it from happening.

The term "real despotism" indicates an actual or genuine form of absolute power or authority, emphasizing the dangers of consolidating powers and the spirit of encroachment mentioned earlier in the passage.