The reasons he provides for encouraging the continued unity of the nation are made no less valid by the fact that they are presented in a calculated rhetorical manner. He begins by enumerating the various values and dependencies of the various regions of the new country -- North, South, East, and West -- and stresses that this mutual dependency ought to be reason enough alone for the Union to stay together. Again, his decision to begin with the merits of the union is a calculation to enamor the argument with all possible readers before continuing into the somewhat more controversial portion of his argument. After stressing that all regions both contribute to and depend upon the union of all, he suggests that the prime reasons that the union might not succeed are for geographical regions: "Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it." He demands that the experiment of large-scale democracy continue.

Washington goes on to warn of the danger of having one faction or region exerting more than its share of influence over the government, and of infighting between the regions and factions. He also warns against the "spirit of encroachment" within the government itself, so that power does not become too consolidated and that the "habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted...

Chief among these concerns, in both arenas, is the possibility of foreign influence working to create division amongst the various factions in the United States. Because of this, he warns against any permanent allegiances with other nations, and advocates keeping an isolationist stance when it comes to European interests and disputes. He acknowledges that speaking to other nations is necessary to ensure harmony and the basic interests of all, but demands that no other countries should be extended special privileges -- or denied equitable treatment -- so that the democracy can emerge truly free and uninfluenced.
Throughout the address, what Washington stresses is unity, fairness, and neutrality in the workings of the federal government. He repeatedly stresses that his intent is only to protect and perpetuate the country that helped to found and that remains in his thoughts and heart even as he recedes from the public eye. Much of his advice has, unfortunately, been given up, some of it in the few decades following Washington's death. He could be satisfied, however, knowing that the country has continued to grow, and has remained together for better or for worse.