Washington disfavored political parties, believing they would create discord in the country. In his farewell address upon leaving office, he warned the country that political parties “are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.” He warned that partisan politics and different political factions could create a “frightful despotism” for the country.