Even in its earliest days, discord was part and parcel of American life. During the American Revolution, families were often divided between Patriots — pushing for American independence from Great Britain — and Loyalists. But there was only one Benedict Arnold. No Loyalists fought alongside the British at Lexington and Concord.

President Thomas Jefferson’s first inaugural captured the spirit of national unity: “But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names, brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”

Follow Armstrong Williams on X: @Arightside.