Malcolm Rivera
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 the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this document. Franklin's views on the Constitution were shaped by his belief in the necessity of a general government and his optimism about the potential for well-administered government. While he acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he expressed a willingness to change his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. Franklin also recognised the importance of unanimity in the Convention, urging members with objections to doubt their own infallibility and sign the document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when signing the Constitution | 81 |
| His views on the Constitution | Doubted certain parts of it but was open to changing his opinions with better information |
| His views on the Convention | Assembling a number of men to gain their joint wisdom also meant assembling their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views |
| His role in shaping the Constitution | Helped shape the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation |
| His role in the Revolutionary War | Played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence |
| His views on freedom of expression | Viewed the flow of ideas through freedom of expression as essential to democracy |
| His role in the Constitutional Convention | Gave a speech to convince three delegates to abandon their opposition and sign the Constitution |
| His patriotism | Revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's role in shaping the US Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played a significant role in shaping the US Constitution and the vision for the new nation. He was a champion of freedom of expression, viewing it as essential to democracy, and practiced these rights through his literary pursuits and ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin also advocated for religious freedom, defending religious toleration and rejecting absolute religious doctrine in favour of vesting authority in the actions of individuals.
Franklin's influence extended to his role as the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he helped forge the "Great Compromise". This compromise addressed state representation by granting representation based on population in the House of Representatives while ensuring equal representation in the Senate. Franklin's conciliatory nature and skill in arbitration were instrumental in navigating the contentious issues of the time.
Despite his declining health, Franklin actively participated in the Constitutional Convention. He gave speeches, including one urging delegates to accept the document as the best that could be collectively crafted. Franklin's words acknowledged the diversity of opinions and the challenges of reaching perfection with such a varied assembly. He also proposed a form for the signing of the Constitution, aiming for unanimity among the states present.
Franklin's contributions to the US Constitution were significant, and he was the oldest signer of this document, bringing his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to its creation. He supported the rights of religious freedom, speech, and assembly, which were later incorporated into the First Amendment. Franklin's role in shaping the US Constitution and his unwavering support for freedom of expression and the press solidified his distinguished place in US history.
The Great Debate: Constitution Ratification
You may want to see also
Franklin's views on freedom of expression and democracy
Benjamin Franklin, a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was also instrumental in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. Franklin is known for his unwavering support for freedom of expression and democracy. He understood the free flow of ideas through freedom of expression as essential to democracy and practised these rights through various literary endeavours, including ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette.
Franklin's views on freedom of expression are evident in his literary works, such as his essay "On Freedom of Speech and the Press," published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in November 1737. In this essay, Franklin emphasised the importance of free speech and a free press in holding the government accountable and preventing tyranny. He recognised the power of the press to shape public opinion and influence political thought, viewing it as a tool to foster intellectual and political liberty.
Franklin also understood the potential pitfalls of a free press, acknowledging that it could be forceful and create or disseminate dogma. However, he believed that the idealistic aims of a free press, such as the discovery and circulation of truth, outweighed these potential drawbacks. He saw the press as a means to enforce accountability and responsibility in the government, thus maintaining civilisation and preventing despotism.
Franklin's support for freedom of expression extended beyond just the written word. He was also a gifted satirist, often writing anonymously or under pseudonyms, such as Silence Dogood, to critique society and politics. This allowed him to express his views without revealing his identity, demonstrating his practical application of freedom of expression.
Franklin's views on democracy are closely tied to his beliefs about freedom of expression. He recognised that assembling a group of individuals with diverse opinions and backgrounds would inevitably result in conflicts and disagreements. However, he also understood the importance of unanimity in decision-making, especially in the context of the Constitutional Convention. In his speech to the Convention, Franklin acknowledged his disapproval of certain parts of the Constitution but expressed his willingness to doubt his judgment and respect the opinions of others. He agreed to the Constitution, despite its faults, because he believed in the necessity of a general government and the potential for it to be well-administered. Franklin's views on democracy reflected his pragmatism and his understanding that perfection in governance is rarely achievable.
Federalism Fundamentals: Exploring Horizontal Constitutional Provisions
You may want to see also
Franklin's advanced age and health at the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, making him the oldest delegate present. He was thrice the age of the Convention's youngest delegate, Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, who was 26, and twice the average age of all the delegates, which was 41. Franklin was afflicted with gout and kidney stones, and his poor health prevented him from even walking the short distance from his home to the Pennsylvania State House, requiring him to be transported to and from the Convention in a sedan chair. Despite his advanced age and ailing health, Franklin was happy to offer his services to America.
Franklin's advanced age and wisdom were reflected in his words at the Convention:
> "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."
Franklin's words highlight his humility and open-mindedness, acknowledging that his views could evolve with new information and perspectives. He recognized that the diversity of opinions among the delegates made it challenging to find common ground, yet he remained optimistic about the potential for a unified and well-administered government.
Service of Process in Serbia: What's Legal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The purpose and impact of Franklin's final speech
On September 17, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin gave his final speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Franklin's speech was addressed to George Washington, the Convention's president, and aimed to convince three delegates—Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry—to abandon their refusal to sign the Constitution. Franklin began by expressing humility and acknowledging that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present, but he remained open to changing his mind based on new information or further consideration.
In his speech, Franklin emphasized the importance of a general government for the nation and believed that the Constitution could be a blessing if well administered. He recognized the challenges of assembling a group of men with diverse opinions and prejudices and questioned the possibility of expecting a perfect production from such an assembly. However, he was astonished by how close to perfection the Constitution had come. Franklin consented to the Constitution, expecting no better alternative and believing it could be the best option. He sacrificed his objections for the public good and appealed to other delegates with objections to set aside their infallibility and unanimously support the instrument.
The impact of Franklin's final speech was significant. While it did not immediately persuade all three delegates to sign, it set in motion a strategy to secure their signatures. Gouverneur Morris devised a form for the signatures that affirmed the unanimous approval of the states present, making personal objections irrelevant. This strategy, combined with Franklin's speech and subsequent pleas, eventually led to the signing of the Constitution.
Franklin's speech reflected his lifelong commitment to freedom of expression and his belief in its essential role in democracy. He championed religious freedom, freedom of the press, and the rights of assembly and speech. As a seasoned intellectual, he brought insight and patriotism to the creation of the Constitution, helping to shape the vision for the new nation. Franklin's final speech, with its emphasis on unity and compromise, exemplified his dedication to the founding principles of the United States.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's final speech at the Constitutional Convention served the purpose of unifying the delegates and encouraging them to set aside their differences for the greater good. The impact of his words extended beyond the Convention, influencing the signing of the Constitution and shaping the course of American history. Franklin's wisdom and patriotism in his final speech continue to inspire and guide the nation.
The Constitution's Ratification: A Historical Turning Point
You may want to see also
Franklin's influence on the Declaration of Independence
Benjamin Franklin was a leading Founding Father of the United States and played a profound role in the country's early history. He was the only person to have signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Franklin's international experience and diplomatic skills were also crucial in shaping the Declaration of Independence. In 1774, he presented a petition from the Continental Congress to Britain's King George III, outlining the grievances of the American colonies and seeking solutions. This early involvement in addressing colonial concerns laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence. Franklin's reputation and connections proved valuable in gaining support for the cause of independence.
Additionally, Franklin played a pivotal role in securing French support for the American Revolution. As a member of the American commission to France, he became its central figure. His diplomatic prowess led to an alliance with France and the provision of crucial financial and military assistance from Louis XVI's government. This support was instrumental in the United States' victory over Britain and the subsequent recognition of American independence through the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Franklin's influence extended beyond the Declaration of Independence to the formation of the U.S. government and the drafting of the Constitution. He advocated for a unified colonial confederation and presented his plan for a united government to the Continental Congress in 1775. While this plan was not initially adopted, it demonstrated Franklin's commitment to a strong and unified nation. Franklin's experience and wisdom were sought by the other Founding Fathers, and he actively participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, using his influence to help shape the final document.
Thomas Jefferson's Constitutional Legacy: His Key Contributions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was a supporter of the US Constitution, despite having some reservations about it. He believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a course of years. He also believed that the flow of ideas through freedom of expression was essential to democracy.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin signed the US Constitution. He was the oldest signer at 81 years old.
Benjamin Franklin played an influential role in the creation of the US Constitution. He was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and gave a speech to convince three delegates to abandon their opposition to the Constitution.
One of Benjamin Franklin's most famous quotes about the Constitution is: "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."
Benjamin Franklin viewed freedom of expression as the principal antagonist of tyrannical regimes. He practiced these rights through numerous literary endeavors and ownership of the Pennsylvania Gazette. He also vigorously supported the rights of religious freedom, speech, and assembly, which were ultimately incorporated into the First Amendment.
![Founding Fathers [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9-HsS5nL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
