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It is important ... 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 depart

" It is important ... 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. "

Farewell Address to the People of the United States | Monday, September 19, 1796


Editorial Notes

On September 19, 1796, Washington informed the nation that he would not elect to serve a third term as president.  In this “Farewell Address,” he stressed issues of constitutional practice, including the importance of the separate branches of government as representations of public opinion. 

Farewell Address, 19 September 1796