Malcolm Rivera
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, and played an influential role in the Revolutionary War and the fight for American independence. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775, where he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. In 1774, Franklin delivered a petition of the Continental Congress to Britain's King George III, outlining the grievances of the American provinces and seeking his help in finding solutions. In 1787, Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention, where he played a hands-on role in shaping the U.S. Constitution, despite not contributing to the writing of the final document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Did Benjamin Franklin deliver the Constitution to Britain? | No |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the creation of the US Constitution? | Yes |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the creation of the Declaration of Independence? | Yes |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the Revolutionary War? | Yes |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the Treaty of Paris? | Yes |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the Articles of Confederation? | Yes |
| Did Benjamin Franklin play a role in the Petition of the Continental Congress? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a delegate to the Continental Congress? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a delegate to the Constitutional Convention? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a writer? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a publisher? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a printer? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a scientist? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a statesman? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a diplomat? | Yes |
| Was Benjamin Franklin a proponent of freeing American slaves? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's role in the Continental Congress
Benjamin Franklin played a significant role in the Continental Congress, serving as a delegate from Pennsylvania to the Second Continental Congress in 1775. He was chosen for this role by the Pennsylvania Assembly, who recognised his international experience.
Franklin was tasked with a range of duties and responsibilities during his time in the Continental Congress. Notably, he was appointed to a Congressional committee to discuss the best means of defence with political and military authorities in anticipation of an attack by enemy forces. Franklin also played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, making "small but important" changes to the draft sent to him by Thomas Jefferson. He was appointed to the Committee of Five, which was responsible for this task, in June 1776.
Franklin's plan for a government for a united colonial confederation was presented to Congress on July 21, 1775, but no action was taken on it at the time. Franklin's international experience also led to his appointment as one of the first ministers to France, where he became the focal point of "Franklin-mania" among the French intellectual elite. He was instrumental in negotiating a peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War.
Franklin also delivered a petition of the Continental Congress to Britain's King George III in 1774. The petition, signed by fifty-one delegates, outlined the grievances of the American provinces and requested the King's assistance in finding solutions. However, the British government summarily rejected the petition.
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Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin played a significant role in the Constitutional Convention, which took place in 1787 when he was 81 years old and in relatively poor health. Despite his age and health issues, Franklin was determined to offer his wisdom and experience to the nation.
One of Franklin's notable contributions was his motion for a compromise regarding the representation in the two branches of government. He proposed equal representation in the Senate, while representation in the House would be based on population. This suggestion became the basis for the famous Connecticut Compromise, which was critical in resolving a crisis during the convention. Franklin's proposal demonstrated his practical approach and his understanding of the need for compromise to unite the colonies under a strong central government.
Additionally, Franklin played a crucial role in the Grand Committee, which was formed to resolve disagreements among delegates regarding the number of Congressional representatives for each state. Franklin, as the appointee from Pennsylvania, proposed a solution that balanced representation with population. He also suggested that the House of Representatives should have specific powers, such as increasing government employees' salaries and drafting legislation for fundraising.
Franklin's influence extended beyond specific proposals. He offered sage advice and thoughtful insights that influenced several key aspects of the new constitution. Franklin's experience with monarchy influenced his stance on the role and framework of the national executive branch, advocating against concentrating power in a single individual. Franklin's wisdom and pragmatism helped steer the convention toward a functional and unifying framework for the nation.
In his farewell speech at the convention, Franklin, acknowledging the imperfections of the document, expressed his support for the constitution, stating, "I agree to this constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us…Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best." Franklin's closing words reflected his pragmatic approach and his commitment to finding a workable solution for the nation's future.
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The Declaration of Independence
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. In 1774, he delivered a petition of the Continental Congress to Britain's King George III, stating the grievances of the American provinces and requesting the King's assistance in addressing them. This petition was rejected by the British government, setting the stage for the colonies' pursuit of independence.
The document outlines a series of grievances against King George III, including his refusal to assent to laws, obstruction of justice, imposition of taxes without consent, and interference with colonial trade. It also asserts certain natural and legal rights, including the right of revolution. The Declaration of Independence has become one of the most circulated, reprinted, and influential documents in history, shaping the course of American democracy and governance.
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Franklin's views on the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father, publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat. He is known for his involvement with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention.
Franklin was 81 years old when he closed the Constitutional Convention with a speech in which he addressed the faults of the Constitution. He said:
> 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. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others.
Franklin also wrote about the Constitution in a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in November 1789, saying:
> Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.
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Franklin's petition to Britain's King George III
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's agents in London, was involved in delivering the Petition of the Continental Congress to Britain's King George III. The petition, dated October 26, 1774, was signed by fifty-one delegates to the Congress and outlined the grievances of the American provinces. It sought the King's assistance in resolving these issues and aimed for a peaceful resolution. The petition was drafted by a committee consisting of Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, Thomas Johnson, Patrick Henry, and John Rutledge, with Lee as chairman.
The petition was a response to the deteriorating relationship between the American Colonies and Britain, specifically addressing the Coercive Acts imposed on the Colonies by the British Parliament. The Acts, such as the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, were enacted to increase tax revenue from the colonies following the British government's debt from the French and Indian War. Colonists argued that Parliament had no right to levy taxes upon them as they were not directly represented. This led to the Boston Tea Party, where colonists destroyed thousands of pounds of British-taxed tea, further escalating tensions.
The Continental Congress, in its petition, requested the King to repeal the Coercive Acts and restore favourable relations between Great Britain and the colonies. They emphasised the loyalty of the colonies and appealed to the King to address the grievances that distressed his faithful subjects in North America. The petition stated:
> "That a loyal address to his Majesty be prepared, dutifully requesting the royal attention to the grievances that alarm and distress his Majesty's faithful subjects in North-America, and entreating his Majesty's gracious interposition for the removal of such grievances, thereby to restore between Great-Britain and the colonies that harmony so necessary to the happiness of the British empire, and so ardently desired by all America."
The petition was first presented to the House of Commons and the House of Lords in January 1775, before being delivered to King George III. However, it was ultimately rejected by the British government, pushing the colonies closer to the United States Declaration of Independence and the American Revolutionary War.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Benjamin Franklin did not deliver the Constitution to Britain. However, he did play a role in the process of its creation. Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and he helped shape the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation.
Benjamin Franklin was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he used his experience to help resolve disputes and shape the final document. He proposed solutions for representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and he delivered a closing speech urging delegates to approve the document for the good of the nation.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this historic document.
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