Eleanor Finch
Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States' Founding Fathers, played a crucial role in shaping the nation's future. Despite his advanced age and poor health, Franklin actively participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which was a gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies. Franklin's wisdom and experience influenced several key aspects of the new Constitution. Notably, Franklin disagreed with the idea of concentrating executive authority in a single person, advocating instead for a small council with frequent member changes. While he did not contribute to the writing of the final document, Franklin's insights and presence carried weight and helped shape the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role and framework of the national executive branch | Franklin wanted the power to be shared by a small council with frequent changes in members. |
| Signing of the Constitution | Franklin wanted the signing to be such: "Done in Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth of September, &c." |
| Franklin's opinion of the Constitution | Franklin stated: "I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us." |
| Franklin's view on warfare | 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." |
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What You'll Learn
Opposition to a single executive-for-life
Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States' greatest patriots, played a crucial role in shaping the nation. At 81 years old, Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delivering a farewell speech presented by James Wilson. In his address, Franklin expressed his concerns about the role and framework of the national executive branch, specifically opposing the idea of a single executive-for-life.
Franklin's experience with monarchy influenced his belief that executive authority should not be vested in a single individual. He argued for a shared power structure, proposing a small council with frequent member rotations. This idea clashed with Alexander Hamilton's preference for a single executive-for-life, resembling an elected monarchy. The delegates ultimately reached a compromise, electing a single executive to serve a four-year term.
Franklin's opposition to a single executive-for-life stemmed from his desire to prevent the concentration of power in one person, which he associated with monarchy. Having witnessed the negative consequences of warfare and the flaws of monarchical rule, Franklin sought to establish a system of checks and balances to distribute power more evenly. He believed that a single executive-for-life could lead to despotism and corruption, endangering the young nation's stability.
Franklin's wisdom and experience carried weight in the assembly. Despite his initial objections, he recognised the importance of unity and compromise. He consented to the Constitution, acknowledging its imperfections but trusting in its potential for effective administration. Franklin's influence extended beyond his ideas, as his presence and support lent credibility to the proceedings, inspiring others to join in unanimity.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's opposition to a single executive-for-life was a pivotal aspect of his contributions to the Constitution. His stance shaped the debate around the role of the executive branch, ultimately leading to a compromise that avoided the concentration of power. Franklin's wisdom, pragmatism, and commitment to unity left a lasting impact on the foundation of the United States government.
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Support for a general government
Benjamin Franklin was eighty-one years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, which would be his last moment in the spotlight of American history. Despite his poor health, he gave a speech, read by James Wilson, in which he expressed his support for a general government.
Franklin began his speech by acknowledging that there were aspects of the Constitution with which he disagreed. However, he recognized that his opinions could change with time and better information. He also emphasized the difficulty of reaching a unanimous decision in a diverse assembly with various opinions and perspectives.
Franklin then expressed his agreement with the Constitution, acknowledging its potential faults, but believing that a general government was necessary. He argued that any form of government could be a blessing if well-administered and that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a period of time. He doubted that another convention could create a better Constitution, as assembling a group of individuals with their own biases and interests would make it challenging to achieve perfection.
Franklin's support for a general government was influenced by his experiences with monarchy. He had witnessed the negative consequences of entrusting executive authority to a single person and, therefore, wanted the power to be shared by a small council with frequent member changes. This perspective influenced the final decision to elect a single executive every four years, avoiding a lifetime position.
Franklin's speech played a crucial role in convincing the delegates to sign the Constitution, and his presence at the convention added weight and importance to the gathering. His words reflected his pragmatism, wisdom, and belief in the potential for a well-administered government to benefit the people.
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Signing the Constitution
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin, aged 81 and in poor health, delivered a prepared speech at the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Franklin, a revered patriot, had been recalled to America by Congress in 1785, following his diplomatic mission in France.
In his speech, Franklin addressed his concerns about the Constitution, acknowledging that there were parts he did not approve of. However, he expressed his willingness to change his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He also emphasized the importance of a general government and the difficulty of assembling a perfect production from a diverse group of men with varying interests and views.
Franklin's speech reflected his pragmatism and humility, noting that he consented to the Constitution because he expected no better and was unsure if a better alternative existed. He further wished that other members with objections would doubt their infallibility and sign the document to manifest unanimity. Franklin's motion for the signing passed with a vote of 10-1.
The signing of the Constitution marked a significant step in securing America's independence, declared on July 4, 1776. Franklin's presence at the convention and his insights carried weight, influencing several key aspects of the Constitution, including the role and framework of the national executive branch.
Despite his reservations, Franklin ultimately agreed to the Constitution, recognizing its potential for good administration and the challenges inherent in any form of government. His signature, along with those of the other delegates, paved the way for the establishment of a new government and the shaping of the nation's future.
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The role of the national executive branch
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, which would be his last moment in the spotlight of American history. Despite his poor health, he gave a speech, read by James Wilson, to convince the three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition.
Franklin's speech focused on the role and framework of the national executive branch. He had witnessed the monarchy in Europe and did not want the country's executive authority to be entrusted to a single person. Instead, he proposed that this power be shared by a small council with frequent changes in members. Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, advocated for a single executive-for-life, akin to an elected monarchy. The delegates reached a compromise by electing a single executive to serve a four-year term.
Franklin's experience and wisdom carried weight in the debate, and his ideas influenced several key aspects of the new Constitution. He acknowledged the imperfections of the document, stating, "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." However, he ultimately agreed to the Constitution, recognizing the need for a general government and the difficulty of achieving perfection through a democratic process.
Franklin's closing words at the convention reflected his pragmatism and hope for the future: "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 signature on the Constitution, along with the other delegates, marked a significant step in securing America's independence and shaping the nation's future.
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The Treaty of Paris
Benjamin Franklin was relieved that the American Revolution had concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. He was optimistic about America's future, given its vast resources, but he was still concerned. The war's enormous cost in terms of lives and property turned Franklin against the idea of warfare in general. He wrote to his friend Jonathan Shipley, expressing his doubts about the merits of war:
> "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 experiences of monarchy led him to oppose the concentration of executive authority in a single person. Instead, he favoured a small council with frequently rotating members. Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, advocated for an elected monarch, with a single person in charge for life. A compromise was reached, and the delegates agreed on a single executive to be elected every four years.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which was a gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies. Franklin was 81 years old and in poor health at the time, but he still played an important role in the process. He was part of the Grand Committee that resolved disputes over the number of Congressional representatives for each state. Franklin proposed that each state send one Congressman to the House of Representatives per 40,000 in population.
Benjamin Franklin wanted to ensure that the country's executive authority was not entrusted in just one man. Instead, he wanted this power to be shared by a small council with frequent changes in members. However, this idea was opposed by Hamilton, who preferred a single executive-for-life. A compromise was reached, and it was decided that a single executive would be elected every four years.
Benjamin Franklin gave a closing speech at the convention, in which he acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present. However, he also stated that he might approve of them in the future as he had often changed his opinions on important subjects throughout his life. Ultimately, Franklin consented to the Constitution, recognising the need for a general government and believing that it was the best option available.
