Ben Franklin's Influence On The Constitution

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution. At 81, he was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where his conciliatory approach helped forge the Great Compromise, balancing representation in the House and Senate. Franklin, a seasoned statesman, advocated for unity and tolerance, and his wisdom was pivotal in resolving disputes. Despite ailing health, he signed the Constitution, having earlier contributed to the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris. Franklin's influence extended beyond politics, as he was also a renowned printer, inventor, and scientist, leaving an indelible mark on America's founding principles and its vision for the future.

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Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution

Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, was the oldest signer of the US Constitution in 1787, aged 81. He was one of America's Founding Fathers and played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, and his more than 30,000 letters and documents have been preserved in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin's role in the creation of the US Constitution was significant. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, where he served as an arbitrator between different factions. His skill in this regard was noted by author Walter Isaacson, who wrote that Franklin's "tolerance and respect for pluralism... was the core of democracy". Franklin's ability to find common ground was crucial in reaching compromises during the Convention.

At a critical impasse during the Convention, Franklin attempted to introduce the practice of daily common prayer. He also proposed the "Great Compromise", which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans by granting representation based on population in the House of Representation and equal representation in the Senate.

Franklin's last public service was his involvement in the Constitutional Convention, where he was respected and admired. He helped shape the vision for the new nation, championing the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press.

Franklin lived to see the United States Constitution come into effect in 1789, but his health continued to deteriorate, and he rarely left his house in his final years. He died in 1790, aged 84, and was buried in Philadelphia, with approximately 20,000 people in attendance at his funeral.

He was a proponent of freeing slaves

Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, and played a significant role in the American Revolution and the fight for independence. He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.

Franklin was a proponent of freeing slaves. In his early years, Franklin owned seven slaves, including two men who worked in his household and shop, and he financially benefited from the institution of slavery. However, his views evolved over time, and by the 1780s, he had become a vocal abolitionist. He wrote several essays stressing the importance of abolishing slavery and integrating African Americans into American society. In 1787, he became the President of the Philadelphia Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, also known as the Abolition Society, which was the first organisation of its kind in America. That same year, he signed a public anti-slavery appeal and helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, of which he also became president.

Franklin's anti-slavery petitions to Congress were met with opposition from pro-slavery congressmen, and sparked heated debates in both the House and the Senate. Despite this, Franklin continued to advocate for the abolition of slavery and the freedom of slaves. In 1790, just two months before his death, Franklin signed a petition from the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery to Vice President John Adams.

Although Franklin did not publicly speak out against slavery until later in life, his transition from slave owner to abolitionist demonstrates his evolving beliefs and commitment to freedom and equality.

He was an arbitrator between warring factions

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a significant role in shaping the country's Constitution. Franklin was a respected and admired figure who contributed greatly to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, despite his failing health.

Franklin's skill as an arbitrator was noted by Walter Isaacson, who wrote a bestselling biography of Franklin. Isaacson highlighted Franklin's "tolerance and respect for pluralism", and his belief in finding common ground, which was instrumental in resolving disputes between warring factions within the convention. Franklin's conciliatory nature was crucial in hammering out the "Great Compromise", which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, granting representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

Franklin's belief in the importance of compromise and his ability to find common ground were essential in navigating the contentious issue of state representation. While he was unsuccessful in proposing daily common prayer at the height of the controversies, he delivered an influential speech at the end of the convention, urging delegates to accept the document as the best collective effort. Franklin's contributions were instrumental in ensuring the creation and signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, now celebrated as Constitution Day.

Franklin's role as an arbitrator extended beyond the Constitutional Convention. He was also a proponent of freeing American slaves and helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery in 1787. Franklin's commitment to finding common ground and his belief in the core values of democracy helped shape the foundation of the United States.

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He helped draft the Declaration of Independence

Benjamin 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 also one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris peace with Britain, and the Constitution. He was 81 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence, and he brought seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of these documents.

Franklin's involvement in the Declaration of Independence began in 1775 when he returned to Philadelphia from London and was quickly appointed as one of the Pennsylvania delegates to the second Continental Congress. In this role, Franklin drafted a plan for a government for a united colonial confederation, which was presented to Congress on July 21, 1775. While this plan was not initially adopted, it laid the groundwork for the eventual Declaration of Independence.

Franklin's international experience and reputation as a gifted scientist further contributed to his role in the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen by the Continental Congress as one of its first ministers to France, where he successfully gained French support for the new American nation. Franklin's popularity in France, coupled with his diplomatic skills, made him an invaluable asset in securing alliances and advancing the cause of American independence.

In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Franklin's writings and publications also played a significant part in shaping the Declaration of Independence. His publications, such as Poor Richard's Almanack, provided him with a platform to express his ideas and influence public opinion. Franklin's belief in the importance of freedom of the press and his advocacy for it, even before the First Amendment, further underscored his commitment to the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin was a delegate to the Continental Congress

Benjamin Franklin was a delegate to the Continental Congress, serving Pennsylvania. He was a key figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation to form a new union. Franklin's plan for a united colonial confederation was presented to Congress in 1775, but it was not acted upon at the time.

Franklin's international experience meant he was chosen as one of the Continental Congress's first ministers to France. In Paris, Franklin became incredibly popular among the French intellectual elite. He was instrumental in negotiating a peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War. Franklin's last public service was in the Constitutional Convention, where he was respected and admired.

Franklin was in poor health during the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and he was rarely seen in public after that. He was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention, aged 81. His conciliatory tone helped negotiate the "Great Compromise", which granted representation based on population in the House of Representation and equal representation in the Senate. Franklin also proposed daily common prayer at the Constitutional Convention, but this was unsuccessful.

Franklin was a champion of the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press. He was a proponent of freeing American slaves, and he helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery.

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