George Washington's Farewell Address

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What central danger does Washington warn his listeners about in his farewell address?

A) Political divisions and party factions

B) Excessive government regulations

C) The separation of church and state

D) Cooperating with foreign countries

2. According to Washington, what should a successful nation prioritize?

A) Maintaining a longstanding army

B) Encouraging foreign alliances

C) Preserving public credit and avoiding debt

D) Expanding territorial acquisitions

3. What does Washington want the American people to uphold?

A) The power of the executive branch

B) The development of political factions

C) The rights of individuals over state

D) The sanctity of the Constitution

4. According to Washington, how can factionalism lead to a loss of liberty?

A) Immoral leaders pass unfair laws.

B) People are not free to buy goods from other regions.

C) Citizens look for a despot to restore order.

D) Out-of-control passions lead to bad treaties.

5. Based on Washington’s emphasis on unity and national identity, what can be inferred about his beliefs?

A) Individual states should have greater autonomy and independence.

B) A diverse society is crucial to a successful nation.

C) A shared sense of purpose and identity is essential for unity.

D) The government should actively suppress dissenting opinions.

6. What might Washington’s views on foreign influence and entanglement imply about his beliefs?

A) He advocated for extensive international alliances and partnerships.

B) He believed in a policy of self-interest and non-intervention in foreign affairs.

C) He supported expanding the nation’s territorial boundaries through colonization.

D) He encouraged the pursuit of economic opportunities abroad.

7. Which of the following quotes best relates to the idea of domestic tranquility?

A) “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together.”

B) “Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere?”

C) “I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend.”

D) “Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other.”

8. Which word best describes Washington’s tone?

A) Argumentative

B) Persuasive

C) Regretful

D) Morose

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. How does Washington argue for the importance of National Unity and the preservation of the Constitution?

2. What is Washington’s main purpose in his farewell address?