Eleanor Finch
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, expressed reservations about the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. In a speech, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution he did not approve of at the time, but he remained open to changing his opinion. He emphasised the importance of unity among the delegates and argued for the necessity of the Constitution as a governing framework. Despite his reservations, Franklin ultimately signed the Constitution, expressing pragmatic acceptance of its potential flaws and believing it to be the best option given the circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Open-mindedness | Franklin values open-mindedness and collective agreement for stability. |
| Support for the Constitution | Franklin pragmatically accepts the Constitution, despite its flaws, believing it to be the best option. |
| Unity | Franklin emphasizes the need for unity and consensus among the delegates to ensure the Constitution's success. |
| Human limitations | Franklin acknowledges the human limitations influencing the creation of the Constitution and the potential for others to hold valuable perspectives. |
| Fallibility | Franklin expresses doubt about his judgment and the infallibility of the Constitution, recognizing the possibility of errors and the need for flexibility. |
| Biases and passions | Franklin highlights the inevitability of biases, passions, and errors influencing any human endeavor, tempering expectations for a perfect Constitution. |
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What You'll Learn
- Franklin's reservations about the Constitution were expressed in a speech on September 17, 1787
- He admitted that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of
- However, he remained open to changing his opinion, valuing open-mindedness and collective agreement for stability
- Franklin consented to the Constitution because he did not expect better and was unsure if another could be made
- He saw it as a necessary framework for governance, despite its potential flaws
Franklin's reservations about the Constitution were expressed in a speech on September 17, 1787
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, gave a speech expressing his personal reservations about the Constitution. Franklin, who was afflicted with gout and a kidney stone, was unable to read the speech himself and delegated the task to Wilson (PA). The speech was formally addressed to Washington (VA), the Convention's president, and aimed to convince three delegates—Gerry (MA), Randolph (VA), and Mason (VA)—to abandon their opposition to signing the Constitution.
In his speech, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time. However, he left open the possibility that his views could change, stating that he was not sure he would never approve of them and that with better information or fuller consideration, his opinions could evolve. He highlighted that, throughout his life, he had often been obliged to change his opinions on important subjects as his understanding evolved. Franklin's humility and openness to changing his perspective based on new information were notable aspects of his speech.
Franklin also expressed his doubts about the ability of any assembly of men to create a perfect constitution, given their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views. Despite these imperfections, he consented to the Constitution, acknowledging that he did not expect a better one and was unsure if a better one could even be achieved. He recognized the necessity of a general government and believed that the Constitution could be a blessing if well administered.
Franklin further emphasized the importance of unity and avoiding the potential for anarchy and civil convulsions. He gave a second speech, personally begging Randolph to sign, but Randolph remained steadfast in his refusal, stating that signing would imply support for the Constitution, which he could not give. Despite Franklin's efforts, Gerry, Randolph, and Mason refused to sign the United States Constitution.
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He admitted that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of
Benjamin Franklin, in a speech at the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, expressed his reservations about the Constitution. Despite his support for the idea of a general government, Franklin acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of.
In his speech, Franklin 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." He recognized that his views could change with better information or fuller consideration, a realization that came with age and experience. Franklin understood the challenges of decision-making and valued open-mindedness, even in significant matters like governance.
Franklin's reservations were not a rejection of the Constitution but a pragmatic acceptance of its flaws. He believed that no assembly of men could create a perfect constitution due to their prejudices, passions, and errors in judgment. Despite his doubts, Franklin consented to the Constitution, acknowledging its near-perfection and expecting no better alternative. He argued for the necessity of a governing framework and emphasized the importance of unity among the delegates.
Franklin's speech highlighted his philosophical perspective on governance and the fallibility of human judgment. He compared steadfast beliefs to religious convictions, underscoring how individuals often view their claims to correctness as infallible, despite the potential for error. Franklin's wisdom and experience informed his pragmatic approach to decision-making, prioritizing unity and rational discourse in the Constitutional Convention.
While Franklin had personal reservations about certain parts of the Constitution, he ultimately signed it, recognizing its importance and potential for success. His speech reflected his open-mindedness, pragmatism, and commitment to finding a consensus, even when disagreements existed.
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However, he remained open to changing his opinion, valuing open-mindedness and collective agreement for stability
Benjamin Franklin had several personal reservations about the US Constitution. In his speech at the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, Franklin expressed his uncertainty about certain parts of the Constitution, stating that he did not fully approve of it at that time. However, he remained open to changing his opinion, valuing open-mindedness and collective agreement for stability.
Franklin's reservations about the Constitution were rooted in his pragmatic acceptance of its potential flaws. He acknowledged that any human endeavour, including the creation of a governing framework, would be influenced by biases, passions, and errors in opinion. He recognised the challenges in decision-making and the inevitability of assembling a group of people with varying prejudices, passions, and local interests. Despite these reservations, Franklin argued for the necessity of the Constitution as the best possible option given the circumstances. He emphasised the importance of unity among the delegates and rational discourse, prioritising the public interest over individual reservations.
In his speech, Franklin also addressed the three delegates who refused to sign the Constitution due to the absence of a Bill of Rights. Franklin respected their stance and worked to convince them to abandon their opposition. He valued the importance of consensus and believed that a strong general consensus in support of the Constitution would ultimately lead to its success.
Franklin's open-mindedness and willingness to change his opinions based on new information or fuller consideration were key aspects of his character. He recognised his own fallibility and respected the judgments of others, even when they differed from his own. This attitude allowed him to approach the Constitution with a critical yet constructive eye, working towards the collective goal of establishing a stable and effective government.
Franklin's reservations about the Constitution did not prevent him from recognising its potential for success. He consented to the Constitution, signing it alongside other delegates, because he believed it to be the best option available. Franklin's pragmatism and valuing of collective agreement contributed to the stability and durability of the Constitution, even in the face of individual disagreements and uncertainties.
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Franklin consented to the Constitution because he did not expect better and was unsure if another could be made
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, expressed his personal reservations about the Constitution in a speech delivered on September 17, 1787. In his address, Franklin acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time. However, he remained open to the possibility of changing his opinion in the future, stating that life experiences and new information had often caused him to revise his beliefs.
Franklin's reservations about the Constitution centred on his pragmatic acceptance of its flaws. He recognised that any document crafted by a group of individuals would inevitably be influenced by their prejudices, passions, and errors in judgment. Despite these imperfections, Franklin consented to the Constitution, believing it to be the best option available. He considered the alternative of assembling another convention to be unlikely to yield a better result.
Franklin's speech emphasised the importance of unity and consensus among the delegates. He urged them to prioritise the public interest over individual reservations. Franklin's advanced age and experience shaped his perspective, leading him to value open-mindedness and collective agreement. He recognised the fallibility of human judgment and believed that no system created by humans could be perfect.
Franklin's pragmatic acceptance of the Constitution reflected his belief in the necessity of a general government. He argued that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if well administered. However, he also warned that a poorly administered government could lead to despotism. Franklin's reservations and consent to the Constitution were shaped by his realistic understanding of the limitations inherent in any human endeavour.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's reservations about the Constitution stemmed from his awareness of its imperfections. However, he consented to it because he did not expect a better alternative and recognised the importance of a unified government. Franklin's speech highlighted the challenges in decision-making and the need for open-mindedness and consensus. His wisdom and experience contributed to a pragmatic acceptance of the Constitution as the best option available under the circumstances.
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He saw it as a necessary framework for governance, despite its potential flaws
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, had a pragmatic perspective on the Constitution. While he acknowledged that the Constitution had flaws, he saw it as a necessary framework for governance. In his famous speech at the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, Franklin expressed his cautious support for the Constitution, recognising its importance for establishing a general government.
Franklin's reservations about the Constitution centred on his belief that it was imperfect and subject to potential improvements. He understood that the document had been crafted by men with their own prejudices, passions, and errors of opinion. Despite these shortcomings, Franklin recognised the necessity of a general government and believed that the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered. He emphasised that a strong consensus and unanimity in support of the Constitution were crucial for its success.
Franklin's wisdom and experience shaped his assertions about the challenges inherent in decision-making processes. He valued open-mindedness and collective agreement, underscoring the importance of unity among the delegates. Franklin's pragmatic acceptance of the Constitution, despite its flaws, stemmed from his belief that it was the best option available. He acknowledged the limitations of the delegates and the system they had created, recognising that no perfect production could be expected from such an assembly.
In his speech, Franklin also reflected on his own fallibility and the potential for others to hold valuable perspectives. He compared people's steadfast beliefs to those of various religions, highlighting how individuals often consider their claims to correctness as infallible, yet they can be mistaken. Franklin's willingness to change his opinions even on important subjects was evident in his statement, "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 reservations about the Constitution did not deter him from recognising its overall importance and potential for the nation. He understood the challenges of crafting a perfect document and chose to focus on the necessity of a general government and the potential blessings it could bring if well administered. Franklin's pragmatic acceptance of the Constitution, despite its flaws, exemplified his wisdom and open-mindedness, making him a pivotal figure in the establishment of the United States' governing framework.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin had several reservations about the Constitution. In a speech on September 17, 1787, he admitted that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he remained open to changing his opinion.
The central idea of Benjamin Franklin's speech revolved around his cautious yet supportive stance towards the Constitution. Despite acknowledging its flaws, Franklin argued for its necessity as a governing framework. He emphasised the importance of unity among the delegates and the need for a strong general consensus.
No, Benjamin Franklin did not believe the Constitution to be infallible. He expressed uncertainty over its infallibility and argued that any human endeavour is influenced by biases, passions, and errors.
Benjamin Franklin consented to the Constitution because he expected no better and was unsure if a better one could be made. He believed it to be the best option given the circumstances.
