Eleanor Finch
Benjamin Franklin, a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played a significant role in shaping the US Constitution. As the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin brought his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this historic document. He was instrumental in securing French support during the fight for American independence and left a lasting legacy by championing the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press. At the Constitutional Convention, Franklin's conciliatory voice helped forge the Great Compromise, addressing contentious issues of state representation. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Franklin delivered a persuasive speech, urging delegates to accept the Constitution as the best collective effort, thus contributing to the formation of the United States of America.
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What You'll Learn
Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, was the oldest signer of the US Constitution. He was 81 years old when he signed the document in 1787. Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was a proponent of freedom of expression, viewing it as essential to democracy and practising it through his literary endeavours and ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette.
Franklin's advanced age and experience brought seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of the US Constitution. He was a conciliatory voice at the Constitutional Convention, helping to hammer out the landmark "Great Compromise" that solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. Franklin proposed granting representation based on population in the House of Representation, as sought by the large states, and equal representation in the Senate, as advocated by the small states.
In addition to his role in shaping the Constitution, Franklin also helped secure financial aid and military backing from the French King to help defeat the British during the fight for American independence. He made a good impression on the French people and successfully utilised his connections to support the American cause, despite the estrangement it caused with his son, who had been the governor of New Jersey.
Franklin's impact extended beyond politics to the realm of ideas and philosophy. He believed in the flow of ideas through freedom of expression and practised this right through his literary endeavours. Franklin also defended religious toleration and freedom, vesting authority in the actions of man rather than absolute religious doctrine.
Despite his advanced age, Franklin actively participated in the Constitutional Convention, delivering influential speeches and urging delegates to accept the document as the best that a collective body could craft. He wrote a speech that he planned to give on the last day of the Convention, but he was too weak to deliver it himself due to gout and a kidney stone, so James Wilson read it on his behalf. Franklin's speech addressed the three delegates who had refused to sign the Constitution—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—and he successfully convinced them to abandon their opposition.
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He helped shape the Constitution and vision for the new nation
Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played a significant role in shaping the US Constitution and the vision for the new nation. He was a key figure in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence, using his influence to secure French financial aid and military support, which was crucial in defeating the British.
Franklin, even before the First Amendment existed, was a staunch advocate of the freedoms it embodied, particularly freedom of the press and expression. He viewed free expression as essential to democracy and practised these rights through his literary pursuits and ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Additionally, he championed religious tolerance and freedom, vesting authority in human action rather than absolute religious doctrine.
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin, then 81 years old, was the oldest delegate. He played a pivotal role in forging the "Great Compromise," which reconciled elements of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. This compromise ensured representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate, addressing the concerns of both large and small states. Franklin's conciliatory tone helped pacify differing factions and paved the way for the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally recognizing America's newfound independence.
On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a speech, read by James Wilson due to Franklin's ill health, urging delegates to accept the Constitution as the best outcome achievable by a collective body. Franklin acknowledged the document's imperfections but emphasized the need for unity and unanimity in its support, setting aside personal objections for the greater good. This speech was directed at three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—who refused to sign due to the absence of a Bill of Rights and other concerns. Franklin's words reflected his pragmatism and willingness to compromise for the nation's benefit.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as he helped shape the vision for the new nation. He believed in the strength and efficiency of a government that procured and safeguarded the happiness of its people. This vision was rooted in the general opinion of the government's goodness and the integrity of its leaders. Franklin's contributions to the US Constitution and the founding principles of the nation continue to be a distinguished part of his legacy.
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He was a proponent of freedom of the press
Benjamin Franklin was a strong advocate for freedom of the press and free speech. He was a successful entrepreneur and newspaperman, publishing his first issue of "Poor Richard's Almanack" under the pseudonym Richard Saunders in 1732. The almanac was a bestseller, providing a wide range of information, including calendars, weather predictions, sayings, poems, and demographics, as well as recipes, trivia, advice, and jokes. Franklin's success as a publisher allowed him to champion the importance of a free press and honest reporting, which he believed was crucial for democratic self-government.
Franklin's support for freedom of the press extended beyond his publishing endeavours. In his writings, he outlined his revolutionary ideas for a perfect educational institution, addressing various aspects such as buildings, academic life, student health, and service to the community. Through his persuasive abilities, he recruited prominent citizens as trustees for a new institution of higher education, which later became a college conferring undergraduate and professional degrees.
Franklin's belief in the power of education and a free press was also evident during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Franklin played a crucial role in convincing three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition and sign the Constitution. In his speech, Franklin acknowledged his own evolving opinions and encouraged others to consider new information and perspectives. He humbly admitted that the Constitution, in his view, was "near to perfection."
Franklin's motion regarding the form of the signing passed with an overwhelming majority of 10-1. This form, crafted by Gouverneur Morris and presented by Franklin, emphasized that the signer was affirming the unanimity of the states present rather than personally endorsing the Constitution. Franklin's influence and esteem played a pivotal role in securing the signatures of delegates who had objections to certain parts of the document.
Benjamin Franklin's unwavering support for freedom of the press and his dedication to educating the American youth demonstrate his profound impact on the foundation of the United States. His belief in the importance of honest reporting and open inquiry continues to inspire and guide the nation's commitment to democratic ideals and the free flow of information.
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He was responsible for the Great Compromise
Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in the creation of the US Constitution, particularly in relation to the Great Compromise of 1787. This compromise was a pivotal moment in the formation of the United States' system of government, addressing the contentious issue of representation in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was proposed by Connecticut delegate Roger Sherman and agreed upon by Benjamin Franklin. It established a dual system of representation in Congress, balancing the interests of large and small states. Franklin's support for this compromise was instrumental in its adoption.
The issue of representation had threatened to derail the Constitutional Convention. Delegates from large states, with greater populations and resources, argued for proportional representation, believing their larger contributions entitled them to more significant influence in both the Senate and the House. On the other hand, delegates from small states vehemently advocated for equal representation in both chambers.
Benjamin Franklin's agreement with Roger Sherman's proposal provided a middle ground. Franklin suggested that each state should have an equal vote in the Senate on all matters except those involving revenue and spending. This compromise plan was set aside temporarily during the Fourth of July holiday, as delegates worked to reconcile their differences. Ultimately, on July 16, 1787, the convention narrowly adopted the Great Compromise by a single vote.
The Great Compromise resolved the dispute by creating a bicameral legislature. In the House of Representatives, each state would be allocated a number of seats proportional to its population, ensuring that larger states had greater representation. Simultaneously, in the Senate, all states would be equally represented, with each state having two senators regardless of population size. This compromise was essential in preventing the collapse of the convention and ensuring the creation of the United States Constitution.
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Franklin gave a speech to convince delegates to accept the document
Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. He was a proponent of freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and freedom, particularly freedom of the press. Franklin's influence extended beyond his literary pursuits to shaping the course of history.
On September 17, 1787, 81-year-old Franklin gave a speech to convince delegates to accept the U.S. Constitution. Franklin, afflicted with gout and kidney stones, was unable to deliver the speech himself and asked James Wilson to read it on his behalf. The purpose of Franklin's speech was to persuade the three delegates, Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry, who had refused to sign the Constitution due to their objections. Franklin's speech was a humble acknowledgment of the diversity of opinions among the delegates and the challenges of reaching a unanimous decision. He expressed his own doubts and willingness to change his opinions with age and new information.
Franklin's speech began with a note of humility:
> "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."
He continued by expressing astonishment at the near-perfection of the system, believing it would surprise their enemies who expected discord and separation among the states. Franklin consented to the Constitution, acknowledging that it might not be perfect, but expecting no better alternative. He sacrificed his personal opinions for the greater public good and urged others to do the same:
> "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."
Franklin appealed to the delegates' sense of unity and the potential advantages of presenting a united front to foreign nations. He emphasized the importance of acting unanimously in recommending the Constitution, putting aside individual objections for the collective good:
> "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 administered."
Franklin's conciliatory tone and persuasive arguments played a crucial role in convincing delegates to set aside their differences and accept the U.S. Constitution. His speech highlighted the importance of compromise and collective action in nation-building, demonstrating his statesmanship and commitment to the young nation's success.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the document.
Franklin was the oldest delegate at the convention at 81 years old. He was a conciliatory voice that helped hammer out the "Great Compromise", which granted representation based on population in the House of Representation and equal representation in the Senate.
Franklin gave a speech at the end of the convention to urge delegates to accept the document, acknowledging that it was not perfect but likely the best that a collective body could craft.
Yes, Franklin served in the Pennsylvania legislature for twelve years starting in 1751. He also acted as the American Minister to France during the Revolutionary War, successfully gaining French support for the American cause.
Franklin viewed the flow of ideas through freedom of expression as essential to democracy. He practiced these rights through numerous literary endeavors and ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette. He also defended religious toleration and freedom.
