Question

select the correct text in the passage. which phrase helps clarify the meaning of the word despotism? from washingtons 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 powers of all the departments in one and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.

Explanation:

The passage discusses how the encroachment of powers by one department on another can lead to a situation where the powers of all departments are consolidated in one, which is the essence of despotism. The phrase "consolidate powers of all the departments in one" clearly explains what despotism means in this context - a concentration of power in one entity.

Answer:

consolidate powers of all the departments in one