Washington's Goodbye

In typical Washington form, his farewell address to the people of the United States focused mostly on the welfare and well-being of the states rather than on his presidency. He warns that people must be watchful to make sure that their government does not fall into peril. He states the dangers of parties and factions within the government, and states what amounts to 'United we stand, divided we fall'. He knew that anything he said would be remembered as a 'president precedent' (if you will) and let his beliefs about governing be heard.