Omar Bennett
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, gave a speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which was aimed at convincing the three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution to abandon their opposition. In his speech, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he also expressed his belief that it was near to perfection and that a general government was necessary for the country. He consented to the Constitution despite its imperfections and urged others to do the same, hoping that everyone would act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution. Ultimately, thirty-nine names were appended to the final document, including Franklin's, despite the signing not legally enacting the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Benjamin Franklin's speech | 17 September 1787 |
| Franklin's opinion of the Constitution | "Near to perfection" |
| Franklin's opinion of the signing of the Constitution | "I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them." |
| Franklin's opinion of the government | "Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors." |
| Franklin's opinion of the Convention | "I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best." |
| Number of signatures on the Constitution | 39 |
| Number of delegates | 38 |
| Number of states represented | 12 |
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What You'll Learn
Franklin's final speech
On 17 September 1787, Benjamin Franklin delivered his final speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. At 81 years old, Franklin was in poor health, suffering from gout and kidney stones. Despite this, he was determined to offer his services to America and play a role in shaping the future of the nation.
Franklin's speech was addressed to George Washington, the Convention's president, and aimed to convince the three delegates who refused to sign the Constitution—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition. Franklin began his speech by acknowledging his own humility and the imperfections of the Constitution:
> "I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise."
Franklin went on to express his support for the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but believing that it was the best option for the nation. He argued that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered:
> "In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered."
Franklin also highlighted the challenges of assembling a perfect production, given the diverse perspectives and interests of the delegates. He recognized the importance of a united front in presenting the Constitution to the public and urged the delegates to act heartily and unanimously in recommending it:
> "Much of the strength and efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of that Government, as well as on the wisdom and integrity of its governors."
Franklin's speech carried significant weight due to his reputation as a scientist and statesman. His presence at the Convention and support for the Constitution influenced the debate and the eventual ratification process. Franklin's final speech became a pivotal moment in the country's history, as it helped shape the foundation of the United States government.
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Franklin's motion on the form of signing
On 17 September 1787, Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 and in poor health, delivered his longest speech at the Constitutional Convention. In his speech, Franklin addressed the president of the Convention, George Washington, in an attempt to convince the three delegates—Gerry (MA), Randolph (VA), and Mason (VA)—who had refused to sign the Constitution.
Franklin began his speech on a note of humility, acknowledging that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but also expressing his willingness to change his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He emphasised the importance of a general government and believed that the Constitution, despite its faults, could be a blessing to the people if well administered. Franklin also highlighted the challenges of assembling a perfect production due to the diverse perspectives and interests of the delegates. He expressed his pride in the work of the delegates and, despite his concerns, ultimately signed the Constitution.
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The signing of the Constitution
The signing of the United States Constitution took place on September 17, 1787. Thirty-eight men signed thirty-nine names to the engrossed copy of the document. The signatures were grouped by state, with Pennsylvania contributing the most signatures (eight), and Rhode Island being the only state not to send any delegates to the Convention. Notably, Alexander Hamilton signed as the only delegate representing New York, despite having left the Convention twice and being unable to vote.
Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old and in poor health, was one of the delegates who signed the Constitution. Franklin's presence at the Convention, along with that of George Washington, lent significant credibility and legitimacy to the proceedings. Franklin's speeches, though infrequent, were often laced with anecdotes and humour, helping to alleviate tension among the delegates.
Franklin's final speech at the Convention, delivered on September 17, 1787, proved particularly influential. In it, he expressed his support for the Constitution, stating that it was "near to perfection". He acknowledged his own disagreements with certain parts of the document but emphasised the importance of compromise and the collective wisdom of the Convention. Franklin's speech was subsequently printed in newspapers across the country, with Federalists holding it up as an example of deference to the Convention's wisdom.
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The role and framework of the national executive branch
Benjamin Franklin, in his longest speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, urged the delegates to sign the Constitution. He began his speech on a note of humility, acknowledging that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of but remained open to changing his opinion through better information and fuller consideration. Franklin's motion regarding the form of the signing passed 10-1, and thirty-nine names were appended to the final document.
The Executive Branch of the United States government is headed by the President, who acts as both the head of state and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President holds significant powers, including the ability to sign legislation into law or veto bills passed by Congress. However, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses. The President also has the power to issue executive orders, which provide direction to executive officers and help clarify or implement existing laws. Additionally, the President has the authority to negotiate and sign treaties with foreign nations, although these treaties must be ratified by two-thirds of the Senate.
The Executive Branch includes the Vice President and the Cabinet, who support the President in enforcing and administering federal laws. The President appoints the heads of federal agencies, including the Cabinet, to carry out this responsibility. The Cabinet and independent federal agencies have diverse missions and responsibilities, ranging from national defence to environmental protection.
The Department of State, led by the Secretary of State, plays a crucial role in developing and implementing the President's foreign policy. It handles United States representation abroad, citizen services, foreign assistance, military training programs, countering international crime, and facilitating foreign nationals' entry into the United States.
The Executive Branch also includes departments such as the Department of Transportation, which ensures a safe and efficient transportation system, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which addresses housing needs, improves communities, and enforces fair housing laws.
The Treasury Department operates and maintains systems critical to the nation's financial infrastructure, such as currency production and tax collection. It works with foreign governments and international financial institutions to promote global economic growth and enhance national security by identifying and targeting financial support networks of national security threats.
The Press Secretary and the National Security Council also play essential roles within the Executive Branch. The Press Secretary provides briefings to the media on the President's activities and agenda, while the National Security Council advises the President on foreign policy, intelligence, and national security matters.
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Franklin's reputation as a statesman
Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents and achievements. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. He was also one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the first postmaster general.
Franklin's time in France as a commissioner for the United States from 1776 to 1785 is particularly notable. He successfully conducted affairs with the French nation, including securing a critical military alliance in 1778 and signing the 1783 Treaty of Paris. He was also instrumental in shaping the U.S. Constitution, urging delegates to sign it despite their disagreements. In his longest speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Franklin described the Constitution as "'near to perfection.'" He argued that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered, even if it was not perfect.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ben Franklin signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787.
Yes, Ben Franklin gave a speech on September 17, 1787, to convince the three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution to abandon their opposition.
Ben Franklin's speech aimed to convince the delegates who opposed signing the Constitution to change their minds. He acknowledged the Constitution's imperfections but argued that it was near to perfection and that a general government was necessary.
The three delegates who initially refused to sign—Gerry (MA), Randolph (VA), and Mason (VA)—likely had varying concerns. Antifederalists, for example, saw Franklin's support as a warning, given his concerns about the Constitution.
Ben Franklin's speech likely influenced the delegates' decision to sign the Constitution. His reputation as a scientist and statesman lent credibility to the Convention, and his speeches were often anecdotal and humorous, helping to alleviate tension.
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