Franklin's Influence On The Us Constitution

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was an influential figure in shaping the nation's constitution. Despite his advanced age of 81 and poor health, Franklin played a significant role in the Constitutional Convention, which concluded on September 17, 1787. While Franklin did not single-handedly write the US Constitution, he offered valuable advice and insights that influenced several key aspects of this document. Franklin's experience and wisdom guided the delegates, and his presence, along with that of George Washington, added weight and importance to the gathering.

Explore related products

The Declaration of Independence & The United States Constitution: Includes The Bill of Rights & The Amendments

$8.99

The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World's Most Versatile Genius

$26.99 $14.95

The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation

$4.5 $17.99

The U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights with Amendments: Pocket Size (Annotated)

$7.49

The CONSTITUTION of the UNITED STATES, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill Of Rights, Autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin & Thomas Jefferson, All In Simple Modern English: 3-Books-In-1

$16.99 $16.99

Original Documents Copywork - Our United States Constitution.-Deluxe Version: Ben Franklin Education

$18.97

Benjamin Franklin's influence on the US Constitution

Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he closed the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, with a speech that included the following words:

> 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 I was right.

Despite his reservations, Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and proudly signed the new Constitution. In his farewell speech, he noted:

> 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…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 thoughts influenced several key aspects of the new constitution. One critical matter was the role and framework of the national executive branch. Franklin had seen too much of monarchy to want the country’s executive authority to be entrusted to just one man. Instead, he wanted this power shared by a small council with frequent changes in membership. The delegates split the difference by opting for a single executive to be elected every four years.

Franklin's presence at the convention, along with that of George Washington, gave weight to the importance of the gathering. Franklin's influence extended beyond the convention as well. He was a publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat, known for his sayings or "proverbs" that appeared in Poor Richard's Almanack and his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin's writings and ideas helped shape the nation in which he lived, earning him a reputation as one of America's greatest patriots.

Franklin's thoughts on the necessity of a general government

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role in shaping the nation's history, particularly in the creation of the US Constitution. At 81 years old and in poor health, Franklin attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, marking his last moment in the spotlight of American history.

Franklin's perspective on the necessity of a general government was shaped by his understanding of the potential benefits of different forms of governance. He argued that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if it was well administered. Franklin's optimism about the potential for good governance was rooted in his belief in the importance of wise and thoughtful leadership. He recognized that assembling a group of individuals with diverse perspectives and interests would inevitably lead to disagreements and compromises. However, he trusted in the ability of a well-administered government to act in the best interests of the people.

Franklin's influence extended beyond his words; his experiences and beliefs shaped the structure of the national executive branch. Having witnessed the pitfalls of monarchy, Franklin advocated for a distributed form of executive authority. He proposed that power should be shared by a small council with frequent rotations in membership. This idea stood in contrast to the views of those who favoured a single, powerful executive, akin to an elected monarchy. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, and the Constitution established a single executive to be elected every four years.

Franklin's signing of the Constitution was preceded by his relief that the American Revolution had concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. While hopeful for America's future, he remained cautious, as expressed in his correspondence: "After much occasion to consider the folly and mischief of a state of warfare, and the little or no advantage obtained even by those nations who have conducted it with the most success, I have been apt to think that there has never been nor ever will be any such thing as a good war or a bad peace". Franklin's pragmatism and belief in the necessity of a general government guided his support for the Constitution, despite his awareness of its imperfections.

His signing of the Constitution despite its faults

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's greatest patriots, played a significant 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's signing of the Constitution, despite its faults, demonstrates his pragmatism and belief in the necessity of a general government. In his farewell speech, Franklin acknowledged the Constitution's imperfections but expressed his consent, 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 that no constitution could be perfect due to the inherent biases and limitations of its creators. However, he had faith in the potential for good governance and the possibility that it could be well-administered for a course of years.

Franklin's support for the Constitution was influenced by his desire to move past the American Revolution and his concerns about the cost of warfare. He hoped for a peaceful future for America and believed that a general government was essential to achieving stability. Additionally, Franklin's experience with monarchy influenced his ideas about the national executive branch. He opposed concentrating power in the hands of a single individual, instead favouring a small council with frequent rotations.

Franklin's signing of the Constitution, despite his reservations, highlights his pragmatic approach and commitment to the nation's future. He recognized that the Constitution was a living document that could be improved upon over time. By signing it, Franklin ensured that the nation would have a foundational framework for governance, even if it required future amendments. His decision to sign was also influenced by his belief that the Constitution represented the best option available at the time. He acknowledged the challenges of assembling a diverse group of individuals with varying interests and opinions and the unlikelihood of creating a perfect document.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's signing of the Constitution, despite its faults, demonstrates his practical nature, belief in the necessity of government, and hope for America's future. His decision was influenced by his experience, wisdom, and desire to establish a stable and peaceful nation. By signing the Constitution, Franklin contributed to the creation of a foundational document that has endured and evolved over time.

Explore related products

The U.S. Constitution And Fascinating Facts About It

$4.91 $79

The United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights with Amendments: Large Print Edition (Annotated)

$9.99

We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution

$35.63 $39.99

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

$3.99 $14.95

The Political Philosophy of Benjamin Franklin (The Political Philosophy of the American Founders)

$28 $17.99

The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States (Bantam Classic)

$5.53 $5.95

His hopes for America's future after the American Revolution

Benjamin Franklin was relieved that the American Revolution had concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. He was hopeful for America's future with its boundless resources but was still worried. In a letter to his friend Jonathan Shipley, Franklin wrote, "After much occasion to consider the folly and mischief of a state of warfare, and the little or no advantage obtained even by those nations who have conducted it with the most success, I have been apt to think that there has never been nor ever will be any such thing as a good war or a bad peace."

Franklin's hopes for America's future after the American Revolution were shaped by his belief in the necessity of a general government and his desire to avoid the pitfalls of monarchy. He recognized that the new Constitution had faults but chose to sign it, stating, "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 acknowledged the challenges of assembling a group of men with diverse prejudices, passions, and opinions to create a perfect production.

Franklin's influence extended beyond his signature on the Constitution. He offered sage advice during the Constitutional Convention, and his thoughts influenced several key aspects of the new constitution. Franklin's experience with monarchy led him to oppose concentrating executive authority in a single man. Instead, he favoured a small council with frequent member changes. While Hamilton argued for an elected monarchy, the delegates ultimately compromised by electing a single executive every four years.

Despite his advancing age and declining health, Franklin remained actively involved in shaping America's future after the American Revolution. He was recalled to America by Congress in 1785 and received as one of the nation's greatest patriots. Franklin continued to receive dignitaries, wrap up diplomatic missions, and contribute his wisdom to critical matters such as the role and framework of the national executive branch.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's hopes for America's future after the American Revolution were characterized by his belief in the potential of a general government, his desire to avoid the concentration of power, and his recognition of the challenges inherent in any form of governance. He actively contributed to the formation of the new nation through his participation in the Constitutional Convention and his influence on key aspects of the Constitution. Franklin's legacy is that of a wise and respected patriot who helped shape the nation we know today.

Franklin's attendance at the Constitutional Convention

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Franklin, then 81 years old, was the oldest delegate present and brought a wealth of experience to the proceedings.

Franklin is recorded as offering an appeal for harmony and conciliation during the Convention. The delegates were divided over the controversial issue of State representation, and Franklin's intervention was aimed at fostering unity and consensus. He acknowledged the challenges of assembling a diverse group of individuals with varying interests and opinions, recognising that "a perfect production" could not be expected from such an assembly.

In his closing speech at the Convention, Franklin expressed his support for the Constitution, despite having some reservations about certain parts of it. He recognised the importance of a general government and believed that the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered. Franklin also emphasised the need for unanimity in recommending the Constitution to the people and future generations, stating that the strength and efficiency of the government would depend on the general opinion of its goodness and the wisdom of its governors.

Franklin's appeal for prayer at the Convention is also notable. He recommended that prayers be used in the Convention every morning, and after the Convention, his recommendation was implemented with the appointment of two chaplains of different denominations, one for the House and one for the Senate.

While Franklin did not single-handedly write the US Constitution, his contributions to the Constitutional Convention were significant. His wisdom, experience, and appeals for harmony and prayer helped navigate the divisive issues faced by the delegates during the formation of the Constitution.

Frequently asked questions