Simone Lawson
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role in shaping the country's constitution. In his speech to the Federal Convention on September 17, 1787, Franklin expressed his opinions on the proposed constitution, acknowledging his doubts about certain parts of the document but ultimately agreeing to it. He emphasized the importance of a general government and believed that the constitution could be a blessing if well administered. Franklin also recognized the diversity of opinions among the delegates and humbly respected their judgments. He concluded by urging unanimity in adopting the constitution, famously 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. Franklin's influence extended beyond the convention, as he is known for his quotes and proverbs, including one of his last great quotes about the constitution: 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Franklin's opinion of the proposed Constitution | He had doubts about certain parts of the Constitution, but was open to changing his mind with better information or fuller consideration. |
| He agreed to the Constitution despite its faults because he believed in the need for a general government and that it could be a blessing if well-administered. | |
| He acknowledged the diversity of opinions among the men in the room and the challenges of reaching perfection. | |
| He consented to the Constitution because he did not expect a better alternative and was unsure if it was the best option. | |
| He kept his objections to himself, sacrificing his opinions for the public good. | |
| He emphasized the importance of unanimity and recommended that those with objections should doubt their infallibility and sign the instrument. | |
| He believed in the strength and efficiency of a government depend on the general opinion of its goodness and the integrity of its governors. | |
| He wanted to prevent anarchy and civil convulsions by presenting a unified front to foreign nations. | |
| He proposed a specific form for the signatures, indicating unanimous consent of the states present. | |
| He recognized the possibility of the government degenerating into despotism if the people became corrupted. | |
| He famously stated, "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." |
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What You'll Learn
Franklin's doubts about the Constitution
On September 17, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin expressed his doubts about the proposed Constitution, stating that there were several parts of it that he did not approve of at present. However, he acknowledged that his opinions could change with better information or fuller consideration, and that he was open to the judgment of others. Franklin agreed to the Constitution despite its faults because he believed a general government was necessary and that any form of government could be a blessing if well administered. He also doubted whether any other convention could create a better Constitution, recognizing the challenges of assembling a group of men with diverse opinions and perspectives.
In his speech, Franklin acknowledged the challenges of crafting a perfect document with a group of individuals who brought their own prejudices, passions, and errors of opinion to the table. He expressed surprise that the Constitution approached so near to perfection despite these obstacles. Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to compromise shone through as he consented to the Constitution, sacrificing his personal objections for the greater public good.
In November 1789, Franklin wrote a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, acknowledging the uncertainty of the future but expressing optimism about the durability of the newly established Constitution. Franklin famously stated, "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 encapsulates Franklin's pragmatic approach to governance and his understanding of the inherent uncertainties that come with establishing a new form of government.
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The need for a general government
In a speech delivered to the Federal Convention on September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin expressed his opinion on the proposed Constitution of the United States. While acknowledging that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, Franklin ultimately agreed to it, believing in the necessity of a general government.
Franklin's argument for a general government was rooted in his understanding of the potential benefits it could bring. He recognized that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if it was well-administered. He believed that the proposed Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a period of time and that its success depended on the goodness of the government and the wisdom and integrity of its leaders. Franklin hoped that by recommending and supporting the Constitution, they could work towards having it well-administered, thereby securing happiness and prosperity for the people.
Franklin also considered the potential consequences of not having a general government. He stated that the absence of a unified government could lead to confusion and disarray, similar to the story of the Builders of Babel. He believed that a general government was necessary to prevent the states from separating and descending into chaos or conflict. Franklin's concerns extended beyond the present, as he also thought about the impact of their decisions on future generations.
Furthermore, Franklin acknowledged the challenges of crafting a perfect constitution. He understood that assembling a group of individuals with diverse opinions and interests would inevitably result in disagreements and compromises. Despite these challenges, he was astonished at how close to perfection the proposed Constitution was. Franklin recognized that it was unlikely that any other convention could create a better Constitution, and thus, he consented to it.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's support for the proposed Constitution stemmed from his belief in the necessity of a general government. He trusted that a well-administered government could bring blessings to the people and prevent potential chaos. Additionally, he recognized the limitations of creating a perfect document but consented to the Constitution, sacrificing his personal objections for the greater good. Franklin's wisdom and foresight contributed to the foundation of the United States' governance.
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The possibility of a better Constitution
Benjamin Franklin's opinion of the proposed Constitution was that, despite its faults, it was the best that could be hoped for. In a speech delivered on September 17, 1787, Franklin, then 81 years old, expressed his doubts about certain parts of the Constitution, but acknowledged that his opinions could change with better information or fuller consideration. He recognized the diversity of opinions among the men in the assembly and the challenges of reaching a unanimous decision.
Franklin agreed to the Constitution because he believed in the necessity of a general government and that any form of government could be a blessing if well administered. He also considered the possibility that a better Constitution could emerge from another convention, but he doubted it. He acknowledged the imperfections of the assembly, including the prejudices, passions, and errors of opinion that come with any group of individuals. Despite these shortcomings, Franklin was astonished at how close to perfection the Constitution seemed to be.
Franklin's pragmatism and humility shone through in his speech. He recognized that a perfect production might not be achievable and that the Constitution, despite its faults, could still be a blessing. He also respected the judgment of others, valuing diversity of thought. Franklin's willingness to set aside his personal objections for the greater good demonstrated his commitment to unity and the success of the nation.
Franklin's closing speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was a pivotal moment in the formation of the United States government. His words carried weight due to his advanced age and experience, and they helped convince reluctant delegates to support the Constitution. Franklin's signature on the document, along with those of the other founding fathers, laid the foundation for the country's governance and democratic principles.
Franklin's opinion of the Constitution evolved over time. In a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in November 1789, he expressed optimism about the newly established government, stating, "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, combining Franklin's wit and wisdom, has endured as a staple of American popular culture.
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The importance of unanimity
Benjamin Franklin's opinion of the proposed constitution was that, despite his doubts, he ultimately supported it. In his speech to the Federal Convention on September 17, 1787, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the constitution that he did not approve of at present. However, he left open the possibility that he could change his mind in the future, stating that he had often found himself "obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects".
Franklin emphasized the importance of unanimity in supporting the constitution, even for those who had objections. He believed that a general government was necessary and that any form of government could be a blessing if well administered. He doubted that another convention could create a better constitution, as assembling a group of men with diverse opinions and interests inevitably leads to an imperfect production. Franklin's speech aimed to convince three delegates who refused to sign the Constitution—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition.
Franklin's support for the constitution was also influenced by his concern for national unity and the country's reputation abroad. He believed that if the delegates were to return to their constituents and report their objections, they might prevent the constitution from being generally accepted, which could have negative consequences for the country's standing among foreign nations. Franklin's 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," reflects his hopes for the constitution's longevity and effectiveness.
Franklin's speech to the Federal Convention highlights his pragmatism and willingness to compromise. While he had reservations about certain aspects of the constitution, he recognized the importance of unanimity in supporting a general government. He sacrificed his personal objections for the greater good, understanding that no document created by a group of men with diverse opinions could ever be perfect. Franklin's focus on unanimity and his belief in the potential for good administration played a crucial role in shaping the adoption of the constitution.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's opinion of the proposed constitution was complex. While he had doubts and disapproved of certain parts, he ultimately supported it due to the importance of unanimity and his belief in the potential for good administration. Franklin's speech to the Federal Convention reflects his practical nature and his commitment to national unity and the country's success. His influence on the adoption of the constitution underscores his significant role in shaping the foundations of American government.
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Franklin's humility and respect for others' opinions
Benjamin Franklin's humility and respect for others' opinions were evident in his speech regarding the proposed Constitution. Franklin acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he remained open to changing his opinion based on new information and further consideration. He recognised the limitations of his own judgment and valued the diverse perspectives of his colleagues. This humility was reflected in his 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."
Franklin's respect for others' opinions was also demonstrated in his recognition of the joint wisdom of the assembly. He understood that each individual brought their own unique perspectives, passions, and prejudices to the table. Despite the challenges of finding common ground, he expressed astonishment at how close to perfection the Constitution was. Franklin's humility and respect for others' opinions were further emphasised in his appeal to those who still had objections to the Constitution. He encouraged them to set aside their infallibility and come together in unanimity for the greater good.
In his speech, Franklin also highlighted the importance of a general government for the people and expressed his belief in the potential for the Constitution to be well-administered. He recognised that no form of government could guarantee perfection, but he trusted in the ability of those involved to make it a blessing for the people. This sentiment reflected his humility and respect for the collective wisdom and decision-making process.
Additionally, Franklin's humility and respect were also evident in his interactions outside the Convention. He is 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." This quote, written to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, acknowledged the uncertainties of life while celebrating the establishment of the new government under the Constitution. Franklin's words became a staple in American popular culture, reflecting his impact on the nation's founding principles.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin had several opinions on the proposed constitution. He stated that there were parts of the constitution that he did not approve of, but he was open to changing his mind with better information and fuller consideration. He also believed that a general government was necessary and that the constitution was likely to be well-administered.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin signed the constitution. He gave a speech to convince three delegates who refused to sign—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition.
Benjamin Franklin is famously quoted as saying, "Our new Constitution is now established, and it seems to be durable, but in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."
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