Omar Bennett
Benjamin Franklin was the senior statesman at the Constitutional Convention, where he played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. Constitution. At 81, he was more than twice the average age of the delegates and brought a wealth of experience and a moderate temperament that helped navigate contentious issues and foster compromise. Franklin's influence extended beyond the Convention as well, as he promoted the document abroad and supported the editing of the Declaration of Independence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Influence at the Constitutional Convention | Helped delegates navigate roadblocks by promoting negotiation and compromise |
| Support at the Convention | Helped with the first round of copy edits on Thomas Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration of Independence |
| Age | At 81, Franklin was the senior statesman at a convention of young men |
| Temperament | Moderate temperament that was always in search of ways to bring contending parties together |
| Outlook | Optimistic and universal |
| Final reflections | "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." |
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What You'll Learn
Franklin's influence at the Constitutional Convention
At 81, Benjamin Franklin was the senior statesman at the Constitutional Convention, with delegates half his age. He was also the most renowned American of the age. Franklin's decades in business taught him the importance of 'win-win' negotiations, and he helped the delegates navigate numerous roadblocks, promoting negotiation and compromise.
Franklin's moderate temperament and his ability to bring contending parties together served him well during the Convention. He thought beyond American borders when he considered the possibilities set in motion by the Convention. In October, well before even one state had ratified the Constitution, Franklin sent a copy of the document to Ferdinand Grand, a Paris banker he had met while on his diplomatic mission to France to raise both political and financial support for the new nation.
Franklin closed the convention with 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 right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others. Most men indeed as well as most sects in Religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them it is so far error.
Franklin agreed to the Constitution despite its faults, because he thought a general government was necessary, and believed that no other convention could make a better Constitution:
> [I agree] 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 farther 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. 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. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?
Franklin also served as an early editor and helped with the first round of copy edits on Thomas Jefferson’s first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
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His moderate temperament and negotiation skills
Benjamin Franklin was the senior statesman at the Constitutional Convention, at 81 years old, he was twice the average age of the delegates. His moderate temperament and negotiation skills, honed in his decades in business, were instrumental in navigating roadblocks and promoting compromise between delegates. Franklin understood the importance of "win-win" negotiations and worked to foster agreement rather than enforcing views on others. This paradigm is reflected in the US Constitution, which requires consensus to reach a majority.
Franklin's temperate nature was evident in his ability to bring contending parties together and find common ground. He was renowned for his optimism and universal outlook, which extended beyond American borders. For example, he sent a copy of the Constitution to a Parisian banker, Ferdinand Grand, seeking political and financial support for the new nation.
Franklin's closing remarks at the Convention acknowledged the challenges of achieving consensus among a diverse group of individuals with varying interests and biases. He expressed his approval of the Constitution despite its faults, recognising the necessity of a general government. Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice personal opinions for the greater good demonstrated his commitment to unity and the belief that the Constitution was the best that could be achieved at the time.
Franklin's influence extended beyond the Convention as well. He served as an early editor of Thomas Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration of Independence, contributing to a stronger document with his writing, editing, and publishing expertise. Franklin's experience and wisdom, combined with his moderate temperament, played a crucial role in shaping the foundation of the United States.
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His support for a general government
Benjamin Franklin was the senior statesman at the Constitutional Convention, at 81 years old. He was three times the age of the youngest delegate and twice the average age of all the delegates. He was also the most renowned American of his age.
Franklin's decades in business taught him the importance of 'win-win' negotiations, and he helped the delegates navigate numerous roadblocks, promoting negotiation and compromise. He thought beyond American borders when he considered the possibilities set in motion by the Convention.
Franklin supported a general government, 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, and believe farther 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. 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. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?
Franklin also said:
> It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another’s throats. Thus 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 every 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.
Franklin's support for a general government was also reflected in his actions after the Convention. In October, before any state had ratified the Constitution, Franklin sent a copy of the document to a Paris banker he had met while on a diplomatic mission to France, to raise both political and financial support for the new nation.
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His optimism about the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was the most senior delegate at the Constitutional Convention, aged 81. He was twice the average age of the delegates, and three times the age of the youngest delegate. Franklin was also the most renowned American of his age.
Franklin's decades in business taught him the importance of 'win-win' negotiations. He helped the delegates navigate numerous roadblocks, promoting negotiation and compromise. Franklin's moderate temperament served him well during the Convention. He thought beyond American borders when he considered the possibilities set in motion by the Convention.
Franklin's optimism about the Constitution is reflected in his statements at the Convention. He 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. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others. Most men indeed as well as most sects in Religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them it is so far error."
Franklin also said:
> "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 farther 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. 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. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?"
Franklin's optimism is further reflected in his statement that:
> "It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another’s throats. Thus 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 every 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."
Franklin's final reflections after an arduous summer of debate as he watched delegates sign the newly agreed-to Constitution were:
> "Whilst the last members were signing it Doctr. Franklin looking towards the President Chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that Painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art a rising from a setting sun. I have, said he, often and often in the course of the Session and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears at to its issue looked at that behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun."
Franklin also stated:
> "Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own sakes as a part of the people, and for the sake of posterity, we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution (if approved by Congress & confirmed by the Conventions) wherever our influence may extend, and turn our future thoughts & endeavors to the means of having it well administred."
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His age and experience
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention, making him the oldest delegate in attendance. He was three times the age of the Convention's youngest delegate, Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, aged 26, and twice the average age of all the delegates. Franklin's advanced age meant that he brought a wealth of experience and wisdom to the Convention.
Franklin's decades of experience in business had taught him the importance of "win-win" negotiations, and he used these skills to help the delegates navigate roadblocks and promote negotiation and compromise. He understood that a general government was necessary for the nation and worked to find a balance between the various interests and opinions represented at the Convention.
In his address to the Convention, Franklin reflected on how his age and experience had shaped his perspective on the Constitution: "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." He acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution with which he disagreed, but he was willing to set aside his personal objections for the greater good.
Franklin's age and experience also contributed to his moderate temperament and his ability to bring contending parties together. He had a universal outlook, demonstrated by his sending a copy of the Constitution to a banker in Paris, seeking political and financial support for the new nation.
Overall, Benjamin Franklin's age and experience played a crucial role in shaping his contributions to the Constitution. His wisdom, negotiation skills, and moderate temperament helped to guide the Convention toward a compromise that laid the foundation for the United States government.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was the senior statesman at the Constitutional Convention, aged 81. He was twice the average age of the delegates.
After the convention, Franklin sent a copy of the Constitution to a Paris banker, Ferdinand Grand, to raise political and financial support for the new nation.
Franklin acknowledged that the Constitution had faults, but he agreed to it because he believed a general government was necessary. He also thought that the Constitution was the best that could be expected from a group of men with their own prejudices, passions, and interests.
At the end of 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".
Benjamin Franklin's business experience taught him the importance of 'win-win' negotiations, and he helped delegates navigate roadblocks by promoting negotiation and compromise. This paradigm is reflected in the US Constitution.
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