Omar Bennett
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, signed the United States Constitution, making him the oldest signer. Despite his gout and kidney stones, he delivered a speech endorsing the Constitution, which was read by James Wilson. Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he hoped that critics would set aside their objections and sign the document. Three delegates—Edmund Randolph and George Mason from Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts—refused to sign, citing concerns about its power without a Bill of Rights.
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's support for the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. He was also the first signer to pass away, in April 1790. Despite having several issues with the Constitution, Franklin gave a speech endorsing it. He admitted that it was difficult to find common ground with the diversity of opinions present in the room. He also acknowledged that the Constitution was not perfect, but it was still a remarkable achievement. Franklin expressed his support for the Constitution, stating that he consented to it because he did not expect anything better, and he was unsure if it was not the best option. He urged those who still had objections to set aside their infallibility and sign the document to demonstrate unanimity.
Franklin's address aimed to persuade the three delegates, Gerry, Randolph, and Mason, who had refused to sign the Constitution. He began his speech by acknowledging that while he did not approve of certain parts of the Constitution, he might change his mind in the future as he had done so in the past. Franklin's humility and openness to change aimed to appeal to the critics and foster a sense of accord. He proposed that the delegates endorse the Constitution as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present, rather than on behalf of their respective states. This proposal aimed to make personal objections irrelevant to the signatures.
Franklin's support for the Constitution extended beyond the signing ceremony. In his personal correspondence, he expressed his satisfaction with the Constitution's ratification and the establishment of a new government under it. He also recognized the importance of public opinion in supporting the government and the need for unanimous endorsement among the delegates. Franklin's influence and esteem added credibility to the Constitution, and his closing endorsement served as an essential authentication of the document's validity.
Franklin's last great quote, written in 1789, reflected on the Constitution and life: "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 became a staple in American popular culture and demonstrated Franklin's belief in the Constitution's durability and the certainty of death and taxes.
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The absence of Rhode Island's delegates
The signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the 13 states, all but Rhode Island were represented at the signing, as they declined to send delegates.
Rhode Island's absence from the Constitutional Convention was due to their disagreement with the direction the new government was taking. They had concerns about the power of the federal government and the protection of individual liberties. Rhode Island had a strong tradition of self-governance and independence, and they wanted to ensure that their rights and autonomy were preserved under the new Constitution. They also had economic concerns, as they were heavily reliant on trade and wanted to protect their commercial interests.
Additionally, Rhode Island had a unique political system at the time, with a very broad franchise that allowed all male citizens to vote, regardless of property ownership. They were proud of their independent spirit and wanted to ensure that their voice was heard and their interests were represented in the formation of the new nation.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in American history, marking the culmination of months of debate, compromise, and negotiation among the founding fathers. Despite their differences, the delegates came together to create a framework for a new nation, with Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, being the oldest signer of the Constitution.
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The three delegates who refused to sign
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the United States Constitution. He summed up the sentiments of those who did sign, stating:
> "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 went on to say:
> "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."
Despite his reservations, Franklin ultimately signed the Constitution. However, three delegates refused to sign: Edmund Randolph and George Mason from Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts. Randolph, in particular, stated that signing the document would imply that he supported it, and he did not. Gerry, on the other hand, believed that the Constitution combined the negative aspects of both democracy and its extreme opposite.
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The impact of Franklin's advanced age and health
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, making him the oldest signer. He was afflicted with gout and kidney stones and was unable to read his prepared speech himself, delegating the task to Wilson (PA). Despite his advanced age and poor health, Franklin was happy to offer his services to America, and his presence at the convention lent weight to the importance of the gathering.
Franklin's advanced age and health had a significant impact on his participation in the Constitutional Convention. He was in poor health and hoped for a well-deserved rest when he returned to Philadelphia from France in 1785. However, he was kept busy receiving dignitaries and wrapping up loose ends from his diplomatic mission. By the time of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Franklin was 81 years old and in relatively poor health. Despite this, he actively participated in the debates and offered sage advice, with his thoughts influencing several key aspects of the new Constitution.
On the final day of the convention, Franklin delivered an address endorsing the Constitution despite its perceived imperfections. He began his speech on a note of humility, acknowledging that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present but that he might change his mind in the future. Franklin's advanced age and experience allowed him to approach the Constitution with an open mind and a willingness to consider different perspectives. He recognized that the document was a compromise and that it was essential to find common ground among the diverse opinions represented in the room.
Franklin's age and health also played a role in the form of the signing that he proposed. He suggested that the signers subscribe their names as witnesses to what was done in the convention rather than on behalf of particular states. This idea was intended to make it easier for delegates who had objections to the Constitution to sign, as it would signify their affirmation of the unanimous approval of the states rather than their personal endorsement of the document. Franklin's advanced age and experience may have given him a perspective on the importance of unity and compromise, which influenced the signing process and helped to secure the agreement of the states present.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's advanced age and health had a significant impact on the Constitutional Convention and the signing of the United States Constitution. Despite his poor health and need for rest, Franklin actively participated in the debates and offered valuable advice and perspective. His age and experience influenced the form of the signing and helped to secure the agreement of the states present. Franklin's contribution to the Constitutional Convention was a fitting finale to his long and distinguished career in public service.
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The significance of the signing location
The signing of the United States Constitution took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location was significant as it was the same place where the Declaration of Independence was signed eleven years earlier, in 1776. The Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, was a fitting setting for the delegates to gather and endorse the Constitution.
Philadelphia had a long history of hosting significant events in the colonial and early American history. The city was a hub for political activity and had previously served as the meeting place for several important conventions and congresses. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress, which convened in Independence Hall, adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.
The choice of Philadelphia as the location for the Constitutional Convention was deliberate. In 1786, delegates from five states met at the Annapolis Convention and invited all states to gather in Philadelphia the following year. The city was seen as a convenient and central location for delegates from different states to come together. Additionally, Philadelphia had a reputation for being a centre of intellectual and political discourse, making it an ideal setting for the debates and discussions that would shape the new nation.
The Constitutional Convention itself was a significant event, bringing together some of the greatest minds of the day, including Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, James Wilson, and Alexander Hamilton. The delegates spent four months deliberating and drafting a new form of republican government to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. The final day of the convention, when the Constitution was signed, marked the culmination of their efforts and the beginning of a new era for the United States.
The signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia symbolised the unity and collaboration of the states in forming a new government. By gathering in the same city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the delegates emphasised the continuity and evolution of their nation-building efforts. Philadelphia, with its rich history and symbolic significance, served as a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion in American history.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Benjamin Franklin signed the Constitution. He was 81 years old at the time, making him the oldest signer.
Benjamin Franklin gave a speech, read by James Wilson, in which he stated:
> "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 further added:
> "Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."
Of the 55 delegates present, 39 signed the Constitution. Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry were among the most vocal opponents who refused to sign.
