Which phrase helps clarify the meaning of the word despotism? from Washington's Farewell Address
by George Washington
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to
keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true-and in governments of a monarchical cast patriotism
may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be
encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit. And there being constant
danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it
demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming it should consume. It is important,
likewise, 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. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one and thus
to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism