Simone Lawson
Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War and the fight for American independence. He was also instrumental in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin, at 81, was the oldest delegate and played a conciliatory role in reaching the landmark Great Compromise. In a speech, he expressed his opinion that while there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he was open to changing his opinion with better information and respected the judgment of others. He agreed to the Constitution, believing that a general government was necessary and that it could be a blessing if well-administered. Franklin's last great quote, 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, encapsulates his thoughts on the Constitution's durability and the uncertain future of the new nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when he addressed the convention | 81 years old |
| His opinion on the constitution | Benjamin Franklin had mixed feelings about the constitution. While he confessed that there were parts of the constitution that he did not approve of, he also acknowledged that his opinions might change with better information or fuller consideration. He agreed to the constitution despite its faults because he believed in the necessity of a general government and was unsure if a better one could be created. |
| His opinion on the government | Franklin believed that the strength and efficiency of a government depend on the general opinion of its goodness and the wisdom and integrity of its governors. He hoped that the members of the convention would unanimously recommend the constitution and turn their attention to ensuring its effective administration. |
| His opinion on freedom of speech | Franklin observed that "Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government." He understood the importance of free speech in preventing the destruction of society. |
| His role in the convention | Franklin was the oldest delegate at the convention and played a conciliatory role. He helped craft the "Great Compromise," which addressed state representation concerns. He also delivered a persuasive speech, encouraging delegates to accept the constitution as the best collective effort. |
| His opinion on the constitution's durability | In a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, Franklin wrote, "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
Benjamin Franklin's role in the creation of the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a significant role in the creation of the Constitution. In 1787, at the age of 81, Franklin was named a representative of Pennsylvania for the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Despite his poor health, Franklin actively participated in the convention and was well-liked by his peers. He often served as an arbitrator between opposing factions, and his skill in this regard was noted by Walter Isaacson, who wrote a bestselling biography of Franklin.
Franklin's influence was particularly evident in his efforts to convince three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their refusal to sign the Constitution. On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a prepared speech, recognising that while there were parts of the Constitution he did not approve of, he was open to changing his opinion with better information and fuller consideration. He emphasised the importance of unanimity and sacrificing personal objections for the public good. Franklin's speech carried weight due to his esteem, and it played a crucial role in getting the delegates to sign the Constitution.
Franklin's signature on the Constitution was significant, as he was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris (peace with Britain), and the Constitution. This unique distinction underscores his pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Franklin's influence extended beyond the Constitutional Convention, as he also contributed to the formation of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery in 1787, reflecting his strong opposition to slavery.
Franklin lived to see the United States Constitution come into effect in 1789, but his health continued to deteriorate, and he rarely appeared in public until his death in 1790. Despite his infrequent participation due to health issues, Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the creation of the Constitution were substantial. His wisdom, tolerance, and respect for pluralism left an enduring impact on the democratic ideals of the nation.
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Franklin's doubts about the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the creation and adoption of the U.S. Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin, at 81, was the oldest delegate. He gave a speech, read by Mr. Wilson, in which he expressed his doubts about the Constitution.
Franklin began his speech on a note of humility, acknowledging that his advanced age had made him more doubtful of his own judgment and more respectful of the judgment of others. He confessed that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, but he remained open to changing his opinion with better information or fuller consideration.
Despite his doubts, Franklin ultimately agreed to the Constitution, acknowledging that a general government was necessary. He believed that the Constitution was likely to be well administered for a course of years but could end in despotism if the people became corrupted. Franklin's conciliatory voice was instrumental in hammering out the "Great Compromise", which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans by balancing representation in the House and Senate.
In November 1789, Franklin wrote to the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, expressing his concerns about the French Revolution and providing an update on the major event in the United States: the Constitution's ratification and the start of a new government. 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."
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His belief in the necessity of a general government
Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He also helped shape the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation.
In his own words, Franklin expressed his belief in the necessity of a general government:
> "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."
Franklin recognized that any form of government could be beneficial 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 also depended on the people's opinion of the government and the integrity of its leaders.
Franklin further emphasized his support for a general government by acknowledging the challenges of assembling a perfect group of individuals to create a flawless 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 pragmatism and belief in the necessity of a general government led him to support the Constitution, despite his initial reservations about certain parts of it. He understood that a collective body's ability to craft a perfect document was limited and that the Constitution could always be improved upon in the future.
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Franklin's opinion on the strengths of a government
Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Franklin's opinion on the strengths of a government is reflected in his thoughts on the U.S. Constitution, which he helped shape.
Franklin believed that the strength and efficiency of a government in securing the happiness of its people depend on the general opinion of the goodness of the government, as well as the wisdom and integrity of its leaders. He emphasized the importance of public opinion and the need for the government to be well-administered. In his view, any form of government could be a blessing to the people if it was well-managed.
Franklin's humility and open-mindedness were evident in his statements about the Constitution. He acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, but he remained open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. Franklin's respect for the judgment of others and his willingness to doubt his own infallibility demonstrated his belief in the collective wisdom of the assembly.
Franklin also recognized the necessity of a general government for the nation. He understood that the creation of a perfect constitution was challenging due to the diverse passions, prejudices, and interests of those involved in its drafting. Despite his concerns, he consented to the Constitution, sacrificing his objections for the public good. Franklin hoped that the Constitution would be well-administered and bring about beneficial effects and advantages for the nation.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his thoughts on the Constitution. He was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to its creation. Franklin's conciliatory voice contributed to the "Great Compromise," which balanced representation in the House and the Senate. Additionally, Franklin successfully gained French support for the new American nation during the Revolutionary War, further demonstrating his diplomatic skills and influence.
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His thoughts on the signing of the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played a crucial role in the creation and signing of the US Constitution. On September 17, 1787, an 81-year-old Franklin, in a speech addressed to George Washington, the Convention's president, expressed his thoughts on the Constitution. Franklin began by acknowledging that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, but he remained open to the possibility of changing his mind:
> "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."
Franklin emphasized the importance of humility and respecting the judgments of others, recognizing that no individual or group can claim absolute truth. He also highlighted the necessity of a general government and believed that any form of government could be a blessing if well administered. Franklin expressed his doubts about the ability of any other convention to create a better Constitution, acknowledging the challenges of assembling a group of individuals with diverse prejudices, passions, and interests.
Despite his reservations, Franklin ultimately agreed to the Constitution, recognizing its near-perfection and potential to astonish their enemies:
> "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 [...] 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 had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good."
Franklin urged delegates with objections to set aside their differences and unanimously recommend the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of unanimity in promoting the document's effectiveness and advantages. He also proposed a form for the signatures, suggesting that signing did not indicate full endorsement but rather affirmed the states' unanimous approval of the Constitution. Franklin's conciliatory approach played a pivotal role in the Convention, and his wisdom and experience helped shape the foundation of the United States of America.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787, at 81 years old. He gave a speech at the end of the convention, in which he expressed his belief that the Constitution was not perfect, but that no better form of government could be expected. 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.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution.
One of Benjamin Franklin's most famous quotes about the Constitution is: "Our new Constitution is now established, and it seems to be durable; but in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."
