Jonah Patel
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, closed the convention with a speech expressing his support for the Constitution, despite its imperfections. He stated, 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 relief at the end of the American Revolution, his international experience, and his involvement in American politics and statecraft for over four decades likely influenced his decision to sign the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th September 1787 |
| Age | 81 |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Mood | Hopeful but worried |
| Signature | One of 39 signatures on the document |
| Signing statement | "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." |
| Role | Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and gave a speech begging Randolph to sign |
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What You'll Learn
Franklin's relief at the end of the American Revolution
Benjamin Franklin was relieved that the American Revolution had ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. He was optimistic about America's future with its vast resources, but he still had some concerns. The war and its devastating toll on lives and property had left Franklin disillusioned with warfare. In a letter to his friend Jonathan Shipley, he expressed 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 returned to Philadelphia in 1785, revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots. He had previously served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and played a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Franklin's international experience led to his appointment as one of the first ministers to France, where he became a celebrity among the French intellectual elite. He was instrumental in negotiating a peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War.
In 1787, Franklin actively participated in the Constitutional Convention, offering his wisdom and insights. Despite his initial reservations, he ultimately signed the Constitution, acknowledging its imperfections but believing in the necessity of a general government. In his farewell speech, he 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."
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His return to Philadelphia in 1775
Benjamin Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1775, shortly after the start of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). He had been living in London for several years, during which time the British government began to impose regulatory measures to exert greater control over the American colonies. Franklin's sympathies for the rebel cause in the American Revolution led to his dismissal from his role as postmaster of Philadelphia in 1774.
Upon his return to Philadelphia in 1775, Franklin abandoned his accommodationist stance. He was selected to serve as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, America's governing body at the time. In July 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Franklin the first postmaster general of the United States, giving him authority over all post offices from Massachusetts to Georgia. He held this position until November 1776, when he was succeeded by his son-in-law.
During his time in London, Franklin published two of his most celebrated pro-American satirical essays: "Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One" and "An Edict by the King of Prussia." These essays caused a political firestorm in Massachusetts and raised significant questions in England about Franklin's loyalties.
Franklin's return to Philadelphia in 1775 marked a shift in his career and personal life. He became more actively involved in the American Revolution and took on new roles and responsibilities, including serving as a delegate and postmaster general of the United States. He also experienced the death of his wife, Deborah Read Franklin, who passed away in December 1774 while he was still in London.
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His role as a delegate to the Continental Congress
Benjamin Franklin's involvement in the Continental Congress began in 1775, when he returned to Philadelphia and served as a delegate. He was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, which were designed to form a new union. Franklin's experience and expertise were recognised, and he was chosen as one of the Continental Congress's first ministers to France.
In France, Franklin's reputation grew, and he became a celebrity among the French intellectual elite. He was able to successfully negotiate a peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War. Franklin's time in France concluded in 1785, when he was recalled to America by Congress. He arrived in Philadelphia, revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots.
Franklin's plan for a government for a united colonial confederation was presented to the Continental Congress in July 1775. However, it was not acted upon at that time. Franklin's ideas and influence were significant during the Constitutional Convention. In his farewell speech at the convention, he expressed his support for the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but ultimately consenting to it as he believed it was necessary for the nation's future.
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Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin was one of the world's foremost inventors and scientists in the 1700s. He retired from his printing business in 1748 and decided to devote the rest of his life to civic improvements and governmental affairs. He became a member of the Philadelphia City Council that same year, marking the beginning of his four-decade-long involvement in American politics and statecraft.
In 1775, Franklin returned to Philadelphia and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation to form a new union. Given his extensive international experience, Franklin was chosen by the Continental Congress as one of its first ministers to France. In Paris, Franklin became the centre of attention among the French intellectual elite, reaching the peak of his fame. He successfully negotiated a peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War.
In 1785, Franklin was recalled to America by Congress. He arrived in Philadelphia in September, revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots. Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention was significant. He closed the convention on September 17, 1787, with a speech expressing his satisfaction with the work of the delegates and his support for the Constitution, despite its imperfections. In his speech, 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 also proposed a form for the signatures, which passed 10-1. However, some delegates, including Randolph, Gerry, and Mason, refused to sign due to their objections to certain issues, such as the absence of a Bill of Rights. Franklin personally begged Randolph to sign, but the latter remained steadfast in his refusal.
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His signing of the Constitution despite its imperfections
Benjamin Franklin was a renowned figure in American politics and statecraft for over four decades. In 1785, Franklin returned to Philadelphia from France, where he had been working as a diplomat, and was revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots. Despite his age and the need for rest, he was kept busy with various engagements and what would be his final opportunity to serve his country.
Franklin played a crucial role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he shared his wisdom and experience. The convention was a gathering of men tasked with developing a framework for governing the newly independent states of America. The debates were lively, addressing various topics such as the number of representatives in the House, how treaties should be signed, and how infrastructure projects should be undertaken.
Despite his satisfaction with the work of the delegates, Franklin acknowledged the Constitution's imperfections. In his farewell speech at the convention, he famously stated, "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 pragmatism shone through in this statement, recognising that while the Constitution may not be perfect, it was necessary for the country's governance.
Franklin's signature on the Constitution carried significant weight. He was aware that his support would lend credibility to the document. Notably, he proposed a form for the signatures that emphasised the unanimity of the states present at the Convention rather than individual endorsement of the Constitution. This proposal was strategically designed to encourage reluctant delegates, such as Gerry, Mason, and Randolph, to sign by making their personal objections less relevant.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's signing of the Constitution, despite his recognition of its imperfections, demonstrated his pragmatism and commitment to the nation's best interests. He understood the importance of a unified front and the need for a general government. By signing the Constitution, Franklin contributed to laying the foundation for the governance of the newly independent United States of America.
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Frequently asked questions
Ben Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and despite the imperfections, he proudly signed the new Constitution on September 17, 1787.
In his farewell speech at the convention, Franklin said:
> 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.
Ben Franklin gave a speech at the convention, where he personally begged Randolph to sign. He also proposed a form for the signatures that would make their personal objections irrelevant.
Ben Franklin was one of the world's foremost inventors and scientists in the 1700s. He retired from his printing business in 1748 and devoted the rest of his life to civic improvements and governmental affairs. He became a member of the Philadelphia City Council and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was also chosen as one of its first ministers to France, where he helped negotiate a peace treaty to end the Revolutionary War.
Ben Franklin was relieved that the American Revolution ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. He wrote to his friend Jonathan Shipley about his thoughts on warfare:
> 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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