When the newly minted Constitution was awaiting ratification by the states, some of its advocates produced a series of written arguments for it that were published as
The Federalist.
No. 68 in this series (usually attributed to the prolific Alexander Hamilton) said, "The desire [of] foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our counsels" was a source of corruption and "one of the most deadly adversaries of republican government...
In
a letter written late in 1787, Adams wrote that he understood Jefferson being "apprehensive of foreign Interference, Intrigue and Influence." Adams said he shared that very concern and thought it was a good reason not to have elections too often.
"As often as Elections happen," Adams wrote, "the danger of foreign Influence recurs."
These divisions were still fresh for Washington when he wrote one of the most famous passages of
his 1796 farewell address. As he voluntarily retired after two terms, Washington was at pains to warn against all foreign entanglements:
"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence ... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government."