What warning did Washington give about foreign influence in his Farewell Address?

• A. Foreign influence is one of the most harmful enemies of Republican Government
• B. Foreign influence is essential to republican government
• C. The country should form permanent alliances
• D. Foreign influence should be avoided but is not harmful

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that foreign influence can threaten the independence and self-government of a republic. In his Farewell Address, Washington warns about the insidious ways foreign powers can meddle in a young nation’s affairs and pull its politics in directions not chosen by its citizens. He stresses keeping foreign ties limited and avoiding entangling alliances to protect the country’s decision-making from outside pressure. This makes the idea that foreign influence is one of the most harmful enemies of a republican government the best fit, because it directly captures his warning about how outsiders can undermine liberty and democratic control. The other options misstate his stance: he does not advocate that foreign influence is essential, nor that permanent alliances are desirable, nor that it should be avoided without being harmful.