Question

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 despotism. a just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. the necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. to preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. if, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way, which the constitution designates. but let there be no change by usurpation; for, though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. the precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield. from george washingtons farewell address (1796) which of the following is an argument that washington makes in the passage? a. people tend to abuse power if they are not stopped. b. people live better lives without government. c. people do not tolerate oppression for long. d. people are naturally inclined to do what is right. reset submit

Explanation:

The passage from George Washington's Farewell Address emphasizes the need to prevent abuse of power by government departments. It implies that people will abuse power if not stopped, as it mentions the importance of reciprocal checks and balances to prevent despotism and abuse of power.

Answer:

A. People tend to abuse power if they are not stopped.