Jonah Patel
Benjamin Franklin was a publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat who played a significant role in shaping the United States Constitution. On September 17, 1787, Franklin, at 81 years old, gave a speech at the Constitutional Convention, addressing the contentious issues surrounding the Constitution, such as the absence of a Bill of Rights. Despite having reservations about certain parts of the Constitution, Franklin ultimately agreed to it, acknowledging the challenges of achieving unanimity among delegates with diverse opinions. Franklin is also known for his famous quote, 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, reflecting his thoughts on the Constitution's ratification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Age of Benjamin Franklin | 81 years old |
| Benjamin Franklin's health | Poor |
| Benjamin Franklin's goal | To convince the three delegates who had announced their refusal to sign the Constitution—Gerry (MA), Randolph (VA), and Mason (VA)—to abandon their opposition |
| Benjamin Franklin's quote | "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 other." |
| Benjamin Franklin's opinion on the Constitution | "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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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's last quote
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat who became known for his sayings or "proverbs" that appeared in Poor Richard's Almanack and his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette.
In November 1789, Franklin wrote a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, with whom he had not been in contact since the start of the French Revolution. Franklin wrote in French, and the letter was later translated and published in 1817 as part of his private correspondence. In the letter, Franklin asks about Le Roy’s health and the events in Paris in the past year, before providing an update about the major event in the United States: the Constitution’s ratification a year before and the formation of a new government under it.
Franklin's exact words were:
> "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."
This quote, often referred to as the "death and taxes" quote, existed in concept before Franklin. However, the publication of his papers in 1817 popularised the proverb in American popular culture. Franklin concluded the letter with a note about his health and mortality:
> "My health continues much as it has been for some time, except that I grow thinner and weaker so that I cannot expect to hold out much longer."
Shortly before his death on April 17, 1790, Franklin also wrote an essay titled "Rules for Ruining a Republic," demonstrating his mastery of satirical letters.
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His thoughts on the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the creation of the United States Constitution, and his thoughts on the document are well documented. On September 17, 1787, Franklin, at 81 years old and in poor health, gave a speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he closed 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."
In his speech, Franklin acknowledged the diversity of opinions among the delegates and the challenges of reaching a consensus. He expressed his agreement with the Constitution despite its faults, recognising the necessity of a general government. Franklin also highlighted the near-perfection of the system, surprising even himself, and hoped for a well-administered government that served the public good.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his words. He played a strategic role in securing signatures for the Constitution. Knowing that some delegates refused to sign due to their objections, Franklin proposed a form that affirmed the states' unanimous approval without explicitly endorsing the document. This compromise aimed to make personal objections irrelevant, and he personally begged Randolph, one of the opposing delegates, to sign.
Franklin's relief at the conclusion of the American Revolution and his concerns about the costs of warfare are also notable. In a letter to his friend Jonathan Shipley, he 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."
Franklin's thoughts on the Constitution reflected his pragmatic approach, shaped by his life experiences and dedication to the nation's well-being.
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His doubts about the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he gave his final speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. In his address, Franklin expressed doubts about the Constitution, acknowledging that there were parts of it that he did not approve of. He recognized that the document had faults and that it was the product of compromise among men with diverse opinions and interests. Franklin's concerns centred around the following key points:
Firstly, he questioned the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. This was a significant issue for Franklin and other delegates, including Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry, who refused to sign the document due to this omission. The Bill of Rights was seen as a fundamental protection of individual liberties and a check against governmental overreach.
Secondly, Franklin acknowledged the contentious nature of certain issues that were only glossed over in the Constitution, such as slavery. At the time, 18% of the population was in bondage, yet the topic received minimal attention during the debates. This failure to adequately address the issue of slavery would have significant consequences for the nation's future.
Thirdly, Franklin doubted whether any other convention could create a better Constitution. He recognized the inherent challenges of assembling a group of men with diverse prejudices, passions, and interests. He questioned whether a perfect production could be expected from such an assembly.
Despite these doubts, Franklin ultimately consented to the Constitution, acknowledging that it was the product of compromise and that no document could ever be perfect. He believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution could be a blessing if well administered. Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to set aside his objections for the greater good demonstrate his commitment to finding common ground and ensuring the unity of the nation.
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His relief at the end of the American Revolution
Benjamin Franklin was a publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat who played a significant role in the American Revolution. He served as the official diplomat and ambassador of the thirteen colonies in France during the early part of the Revolution. Franklin's presence in Paris annoyed the British, and he was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause. He was well-respected and admired by the French, and his accomplishments and abilities were unmatched by any other statesman or philosopher in Paris at the time.
Franklin's efforts in France were crucial in obtaining much-needed resources for the colonies, including men, money, equipment, and ships. He also played a key role in the acceptance of the thirteen colonies as a recognised nation on the world stage. One notable example of his success was the aid provided by Baron Von Steuben, who became an important leader at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778, helping to reorganise the Continental Army.
Franklin's work in France also included persuading French officials to provide more generous gifts and support to the American cause. He was well-liked and respected by the French royalty and intellectuals alike, known for his tact, agreeableness, and plainness of dress. Franklin's time in France was marked by both war planning and more pleasant occasions, such as meetings with scholars, writers, and scientists, where he was the centre of attention.
During the American Revolution, Franklin's papers were stored in a vault on the property of his friend and fellow Pennsylvania Assembly member, Joseph Galloway, a Loyalist who believed the colonies should remain under British rule. Unfortunately, Galloway's estate was broken into, and Franklin's papers were scattered. Despite this setback, about 75 percent of Franklin's papers have survived and are now held by the American Philosophical Society.
While it is unclear how Franklin felt at the end of the American Revolution, we do know that he contributed significantly to the war effort and was instrumental in securing French support and recognition for the thirteen colonies. His efforts laid the foundation for the future destiny of the United States of America, and his work in France during the Revolution is considered so important that it comprises a major part of the ten volumes of the United States Foreign Affairs published in the early 1950s.
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His role in the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin played a significant role in the Constitutional Convention, which took place on September 17, 1787. At 81 years old, Franklin was in poor health, but he still actively participated in the convention, giving two speeches. In his first speech, Franklin addressed George Washington, the convention's president, and the three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution: Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry.
Franklin began his speech by acknowledging his disapproval of certain parts of the Constitution but expressed openness to changing his mind with better information or fuller consideration. He emphasized the difficulty of reaching unanimity among a diverse group of individuals with varying opinions, passions, and local interests. Despite these challenges, Franklin expressed astonishment at how close to perfection the Constitution seemed to be. He consented to the Constitution, believing that a general government was necessary and that this form of government could be a blessing if well-administered.
In his second speech, Franklin personally begged Randolph to sign, but Randolph remained steadfast in his refusal, stating that signing would imply his support, which he did not give. Franklin's proposed form for the signatures aimed to make personal objections irrelevant, affirming only that the states present unanimously approved the Constitution. Despite Randolph's objection, Franklin's form was used, and the Constitution was signed with the unanimous consent of the states present.
Franklin's role in the Constitutional Convention was significant due to his experience, wisdom, and ability to find common ground. His speeches helped convince reluctant delegates to sign the Constitution, and his form for the signatures ensured that the states' unanimous approval was highlighted. Franklin's contributions to the convention showcased his commitment to finding consensus and his belief in the importance of a general government for the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin did not make any amendments to the Constitution. However, he did play a significant role in the Constitutional Convention, giving a speech to convince three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to sign the Constitution despite their opposition.
Benjamin Franklin was a respected figure in the Constitutional Convention due to his reputation as a patriot. He gave a speech, presented by James Wilson, to persuade three delegates to sign the Constitution. Franklin acknowledged the imperfections of the Constitution but argued that it was the best option for a general government and that unanimous approval would benefit America's reputation among foreign nations.
No, Benjamin Franklin did not sign the Constitution. However, he played an influential role in encouraging others to sign and shaping the final document.
Benjamin Franklin is often remembered for his quote about the Constitution: "Our new Constitution is now established, and everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." This quote became a staple of American popular culture and is considered one of his last great sayings.
