“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 those of the popular character, 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 for every salutary purpose. 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.” in the excerpt above from his final speech as president, george washington urged united states citizens to