https://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2026/04/a-frightful-despotism/

A Frightful Despotism

By: Mike Maharrey

“A frightful despotism.”

That’s what George Washington called a system dominated by political parties.

Back and forth – and back and forth – one in power and one out.

Washington warned that when people put party loyalty over the Constitution and liberty, we’d lose both.

“the alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.”

John Adams similarly warned about the chaos that would ensue if parties came to dominate the system, writing, “There is nothing I dread so much, as a Division of the Republick into two great Parties, each arranged under its Leader, and concerting Measures in opposition to each other.”

He called this outcome “the greatest political Evil, under our Constitution.”

But wait, there’s more!

Washington warned that as parties become more and more deeply entrenched, it will inevitably lead to “a more formal and permanent despotism.”

In a nutshell, parties incentivize a cult of personality as people look for strong and stronger figures to mitigate the negative impact of party politics.

Washington said the “disorders and miseries” inherent in a system with dueling parties will “gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual.” ......