Omar Bennett
Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, diplomat, and publisher who played a crucial role in shaping the early United States of America. He was 81 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, which would be his last public service. Despite his failing health, Franklin played an active role in the convention, delivering a farewell speech and signing the Constitution. In his speech, Franklin acknowledged the imperfections of the Constitution but expressed his support for it, famously stating, I agree to this constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us. Franklin also recognized the challenges of forming a perfect constitution, given the diverse opinions and interests of those involved. He concluded with a note on the uncertainty of the future, 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Benjamin Franklin's last known public service | September 17, 1787 |
| Age of Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention | 81 years old |
| Health of Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention | Poor health, afflicted with gout and kidney stones |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the Constitution | Imperfect, but better than what could be expected from an assembly of men with their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the possibility of a better Constitution | Doubtful, as he believed that another Convention would not be able to create a better one |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the possibility of a perfect Constitution | Doubtful, as he acknowledged the challenges of assembling a group of individuals with diverse opinions and expectations |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the importance of a general government | Necessary, despite the faults in the Constitution |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the potential outcome of the Constitution | Could end in despotism if the people became corrupted and incapable of any other form of government |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the signing of the Constitution | He moved for the form of the signing to be unanimous consent of the states present |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on his own infallibility | He doubted his own judgment and respected the judgment of others |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's last public service
Benjamin Franklin gave over sixty years of his life to public service. His last public service was at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he offered his wisdom and experience to help shape the future of the United States. Despite his advanced age of 81 and poor health, Franklin played a crucial role in the convention, delivering a farewell speech and signing the Constitution.
On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a speech expressing his support for the Constitution, despite its imperfections. He acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he respected the diversity of opinions in the assembly and recognized that his own judgment was fallible. Franklin's humility and wisdom shone through as he stated, "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... I doubt a little of his own infallibility..." He also noted that a general government was necessary and believed that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a course of years.
Franklin's speech was aimed at convincing three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason. He emphasized the difficulty of achieving perfection in any assembly due to the presence of prejudices, passions, and errors of opinion. Yet, he was astonished by how close the Constitution came to perfection. Franklin concluded his speech with a powerful statement: "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 signature on the Constitution held significant weight. He proposed a form for the signing that would affirm the unanimous approval of the states present, even if individual delegates did not personally support the Constitution. This strategy successfully persuaded Gerry, who agreed to sign with this understanding. Franklin even gave a second speech to personally beg Randolph to sign, but the latter remained steadfast in his refusal.
Franklin's last public service at the Constitutional Convention was a fitting finale to his remarkable life of dedication to his country. He had returned to America from France in 1785, revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots. Despite his ailing health, he tirelessly worked to receive dignitaries and conclude his diplomatic mission. Franklin's participation in the Constitutional Convention was a testament to his unwavering commitment to America's future, and his insights continue to influence the nation he helped shape.
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Franklin's doubts about the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's greatest patriots, played a crucial role in shaping the nation. Despite his advanced age of 81 and poor health, Franklin actively participated in the Constitutional Convention, offering his wisdom and experience. Franklin expressed doubts about the Constitution, acknowledging that there were aspects he did not approve of. However, he remained open-minded, recognizing that his opinions could evolve with better information and fuller consideration.
In his farewell speech at the convention, Franklin acknowledged the imperfections of the Constitution but consented to it, 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." He recognized the challenges of assembling a diverse group of individuals with varying prejudices, passions, and opinions, and expressed astonishment that the resulting Constitution approached perfection.
Franklin's doubts extended beyond the document itself. He questioned whether another convention could produce a better Constitution, believing that the diversity of perspectives and inherent flaws in any assembly made achieving perfection unlikely. He also expressed concern about the potential for despotism, suggesting that the form of government could ultimately lead to it if the people became corrupted.
Despite his doubts, Franklin signed the Constitution, hoping for the best. He understood the necessity of a general government and trusted in the potential for good administration. Franklin's pragmatic approach, tempered by his life experiences, reflected his belief in the importance of unity and respect for diverse opinions.
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His signing of the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Despite his advanced age and poor health, he played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention, which was his last public service. Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and proudly signed the Constitution, despite its imperfections.
In his farewell speech at the convention, Franklin acknowledged that the Constitution had faults but believed that a general government was necessary for the nation. He recognized the diversity of opinions among the delegates and the challenges of reaching a consensus. Franklin's pragmatism and humility shone through as he expressed doubt about his own infallibility and encouraged others to do the same. He understood the importance of compromise and respected the judgment of others.
Franklin's signing of the Constitution was preceded by a prepared speech delivered by James Wilson due to Franklin's health issues. The speech was addressed to George Washington, the Convention's president, and aimed to convince three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their refusal to sign. Franklin's words reflected on his own experiences and how his opinions had evolved over time:
> "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's signature on the Constitution carried significant weight, and he used his influence to encourage unanimity among the delegates. He proposed a form for the signing that emphasized the unanimous consent of the states present, rather than individual endorsement of the Constitution. This strategy was designed to persuade the reluctant delegates to sign by making their personal objections less relevant.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's signing of the Constitution was a pivotal moment in American history. His wisdom, experience, and willingness to compromise played a crucial role in shaping the nation's future. Despite his initial doubts about certain aspects of the Constitution, Franklin recognized the importance of unity and the need for a general government. His signature on the document, along with his thoughtful words, continue to resonate and inspire generations to come.
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Franklin's farewell speech
On September 17, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin gave his farewell speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, marking his last moment in the spotlight of American history. Franklin, who was in poor health, hoped for a well-deserved rest after eight years as America's Minister to France. He began his speech on a note of humility, acknowledging that while there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, his advanced age had taught him to doubt his judgment and respect the opinions of others.
Franklin expressed his relief that the American Revolution had ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, but he remained concerned about the future. He believed that a general government was necessary for the United States and that the Constitution, despite its faults, was likely the best form of government that could be achieved. He recognized the diversity of opinions among the delegates and the challenges of assembling a perfect production from such a group. Franklin concluded his speech by consenting to the Constitution and expressing his wish for unanimous support, acknowledging that the system approached perfection.
While Franklin did not predict a specific duration for the Constitution's longevity, he acknowledged the possibility of future changes. He understood the importance of adaptability and respected the judgment of others, even if he disagreed with them initially. Franklin's speech highlighted his belief in the necessity of a general government and his hope that the Constitution would endure and bring blessings to the people.
Overall, Benjamin Franklin's farewell speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was a fitting finale to his remarkable public service. His words reflected his wisdom, humility, and commitment to the nation he had helped shape. Franklin's consent to the Constitution, despite its faults, demonstrated his pragmatism and belief in the potential for a well-administered government to bring about positive change.
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His last known letter
On April 8, 1790, Benjamin Franklin, aged 84, succumbed to a combination of illnesses in Philadelphia. Thought to be his last known letter, Franklin wrote to the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, on April 8, 1790, responding to an earlier inquiry about a boundary dispute involving an area between the Bay of Fundy in Canada and Maine. In his letter, Franklin mentions his failing health, writing, "My health continues much as it has been for some time, except that I grow thinner and weaker so that I cannot expect to hold out much longer."
Prior to this, in 1787, Franklin, at 81 years of age and in poor health, played a significant role in the Constitutional Convention, which would be his last moment in the spotlight of American history. On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a farewell speech at the convention, expressing his support for the new Constitution despite its imperfections. He acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution he did not approve of, he was open to changing his opinions based on new information and considerations. Franklin also highlighted the challenges of assembling a perfect production from a diverse group of individuals with their own prejudices and passions. Despite his doubts, he consented to the Constitution, believing it to be the best option available.
In his last known letter to Thomas Jefferson, Franklin's acknowledgment of his declining health echoes a similar sentiment of mortality that he expressed during the Constitutional Convention. Despite his ailments, Franklin actively participated in the convention, offering his wisdom and experience to shape the nation's future.
Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention and his last known letter to Thomas Jefferson showcase his dedication to public service and the betterment of his country, even in the face of his own mortality. His insights and humility continue to resonate and offer valuable lessons for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates, and despite its imperfections, he proudly signed the new Constitution on September 17, 1787. He noted, "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."
No, he did not. In his farewell speech at the convention, Franklin 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."
No, he did not. Franklin said, "I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. For when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views."
No, he did not. Franklin said, "this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other."
Benjamin Franklin's support was significant because of his advanced age and experience. He was 81 years old and had given over sixty years of his life to public service. His civic involvement and respect from other countries, such as France, made his support for the Constitution influential.
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