Malcolm Rivera
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was an influential figure in shaping the U.S. Constitution. Franklin, a writer, scientist, inventor, and statesman, played a significant role in the fight for American independence and the Revolutionary War era. He was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this historic document. While there is debate about the extent of his contributions, Franklin's impact on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was significant, and he is known for his famous quote about the Constitution: 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 |
|---|---|
| Role in drafting the US Constitution | Franklin played a role in drafting the US Constitution and was one of its signatories. He was also involved in debating the Constitution during the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia. |
| Position at the Constitutional Convention | Franklin was a host of the Constitutional Convention and one of its most respected delegates. He was the oldest delegate at 81 years old. |
| Influence on the Constitution | Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention were of great importance. He often served as an arbitrator between warring factions and his skill in this regard was noted by author Walter Isaacson. |
| Franklin's views on freedom of expression | Franklin viewed free expression as the principal antagonist of tyrannical regimes. He also championed freedom of the press, even before there was a First Amendment. |
| Franklin's views on slavery | Franklin believed that slavery was "an atrocious debasement of human nature" and "a source of serious evils". He helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery in 1787. |
| Quotes about the Constitution | "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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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's role at the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, and played a major role at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was the oldest delegate to attend, at the age of 81, and was well-liked and respected. He often served as an arbitrator between opposing factions, and his conciliatory voice was instrumental in hammering out the "Great Compromise", which granted representation on the basis of population.
Franklin was a printer, publisher, writer, inventor, scientist, diplomat, and statesman. He was also a proponent of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and his writings and publications contributed to the shaping of the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris peace with Britain, and the Constitution.
In addition to his role at the Constitutional Convention, Franklin also played a significant part in the fight for American independence. He was instrumental in securing financial aid and military backing from the French king to help defeat the British. Franklin's support for the American cause estranged him from his son, who had been the governor of New Jersey.
Franklin viewed free expression as a cornerstone of democracy and a check against tyrannical regimes. He also defended religious toleration and freedom, and believed that authority should be vested in the actions of man rather than in absolute religious doctrine. Franklin's contributions to the formation of the United States were significant, and he is remembered as one of the country's most influential Founding Fathers.
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Franklin's health during the signing of the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was one of the foremost inventors and scientists of the 1700s. He played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence, and helped shape the U.S. Constitution. At 81, Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and his health was failing. He was afflicted with gout and kidney stones, and was unable to read his own speech, delegating that task to Wilson (PA).
Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention were of great importance. He was well-liked and often served as an arbitrator between opposing factions. Franklin's skill in this regard was noted by Walter Isaacson, who wrote a bestselling biography of Benjamin Franklin:
> "The most important thing he brings to our time is his tolerance and respect for pluralism that he believed was the core of democracy. He was always looking for common ground."
On the final day of the Constitutional Convention, the United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. Franklin gave a second speech, where he personally begged Randolph to sign. In his farewell address, Franklin 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."
Franklin lived to see the United States Constitution come into effect in 1789, but his health continued to worsen and he rarely left his house in his final year. He died at home in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790, with over 20,000 people in attendance at his funeral.
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Franklin's contributions to the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States and played a significant role in shaping the country's Constitution. Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he made essential contributions to the formation of the Constitution.
Franklin was a strong advocate for freedom of expression and freedom of the press, viewing them as fundamental pillars of a democratic society. He believed that free expression served as a check against tyrannical regimes and was essential for the exchange of ideas. This belief is reflected in his famous quote, "Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government." Additionally, Franklin authored "Poor Richard's Almanack" under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders", which contained numerous proverbs and sayings that became widely popular and influenced American culture.
During the Constitutional Convention, Franklin served as a conciliator between opposing factions, seeking common ground and promoting tolerance and respect for pluralism. He was instrumental in negotiating the Great Compromise, which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans by granting representation based on population. Franklin's diplomatic skills and respected status helped hold together the delicate negotiations that ultimately led to the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.
Franklin also brought his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of the Constitution. He was the oldest signer of the document and played a role in drafting and debating its contents. Despite his health issues, Franklin ensured that his vision for America's future was incorporated into the Constitution, which he believed would be durable.
In addition to his contributions to the Constitution, Franklin was also involved in other significant historical events. He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris peace with Britain, and the Constitution. Franklin's diplomatic skills were crucial in securing French support during the fight for American independence and in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which formally recognised America's new status.
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Franklin's views on slavery
Benjamin Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He also helped shape the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation.
Later in life, Franklin became a vocal abolitionist. In 1787, he began serving as President of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. The society, originally formed in 1775, advocated not only for the abolition of slavery but also for the integration and support of freed slaves in American society.
Franklin's last public act was to send a petition to Congress on behalf of the Society, asking for the abolition of slavery and an end to the slave trade. The petition, signed on February 3, 1790, stated:
> "Devise means for removing the Inconsistency from the Character of the American People," and to "promote mercy and justice toward this distressed Race."
Franklin's petition was immediately rejected by pro-slavery congressmen, mostly from the southern states. A committee selected to study the petition further claimed that the Constitution restrained Congress from prohibiting the emancipation and trade of slaves until 1808.
> "Slaves have long been treated as brute animals beneath the standard of the human species."
Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention were significant. He was well-liked and served as an arbitrator between differing factions. His skill in finding common ground and his commitment to pluralism were noted by biographer Walter Isaacson. Franklin's support for freedom of expression and his role in shaping the First Amendment further reflect his views on democracy and the importance of free speech in a free government.
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Franklin's quotes about the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He also helped shape the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this document.
Franklin is known for his many quotes and proverbs, some of which are well-documented, while others are of disputed origin. Here are some of his quotes about the U.S. Constitution:
> "I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls, they were born, and here they shall die. If everyone one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign Nations as well."
> "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 which I once thought were right."
> "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; and believe further, that 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."
> "Our new Constitution is now established, and it has lasted for a year; everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."
> "The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."
> "Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates."
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played an influential role in the creation of the US Constitution. He was a signatory to the document and helped shape the vision for the new nation.
No, Benjamin Franklin did not write the US Constitution by himself. The US Constitution was a collaborative effort involving multiple individuals. Franklin was one of the key contributors and played a significant role in its drafting and debate.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He served as an arbitrator between different factions and was respected for his tolerance and respect for pluralism. Franklin's conciliatory voice was instrumental in reaching the "Great Compromise," which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin had numerous other achievements. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, and political philosopher. He was also a proponent of freedom of speech and the press, and he authored "Poor Richard's Almanack" under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders." Franklin also played a significant role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence, including securing French support.
Benjamin Franklin opposed slavery and viewed it as "an atrocious debasement of human nature." In 1787, he helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and he became the president of the organization that same year.
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