How The Constitution Impressed Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an influential figure in the creation of the U.S. Constitution, bringing his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the process. Franklin, at 81, was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, and played a pivotal role in shaping the document that defined the country's future. While Franklin had some reservations about certain parts of the Constitution, he ultimately expressed astonishment at how close to perfection the system was, given the inherent biases and limitations of those involved in its creation. This sentiment underscored Franklin's pragmatic recognition of the need for a unified government and his belief in the potential for a positive impact if administered well.

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Benjamin Franklin's role in the creation of the US Constitution

Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the creation of the US Constitution, which is considered one of the most significant events in the country's history. At 81 years old, he was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, which took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787. Franklin brought seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the drafting of the Constitution.

Franklin's international experience and wisdom made him an invaluable member of the Convention. He served as an arbitrator between opposing factions and was well-liked by his fellow delegates. Despite his poor health during the summer of 1787, Franklin made important contributions to the process when he was able to attend.

Franklin drafted a speech that he intended to deliver on the last day of the Convention before the signing of the Constitution. However, due to his weak health, he was unable to deliver it himself and asked James Wilson to read it on his behalf. In his speech, Franklin acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he also expressed his willingness to change his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He urged the delegates to set aside their differences and unanimously support the Constitution, believing that a general government was necessary for the nation.

Franklin's influence extended beyond the Convention as well. He played a significant role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence, and he was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation to form a new union. Franklin's international experience led to his appointment as one of the first ministers to France by the Continental Congress.

Overall, Benjamin Franklin's role in the creation of the US Constitution was significant. He brought wisdom, experience, and a spirit of compromise to the process, helping to shape the foundation of the new nation.

Franklin's concerns about the document

Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, was astonished by the near-perfection of the Constitution. However, he also had several concerns about the document, which he addressed in a speech that he wrote and was read by James Wilson to the audience.

Firstly, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present, but he remained open to the possibility of changing his mind in the future. He recognized that with age, he had become more doubtful of his judgments and more respectful of others' opinions.

Secondly, Franklin was concerned about the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. This concern was shared by delegates Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry, who refused to sign the document for this reason.

Thirdly, Franklin worried about the potential consequences of the issue of slavery, believing it could result in the states "cutting one another's throats." He advocated for the inclusion of all free black men as citizens, hoping to discourage slavery and promote the increase of free inhabitants in the colonies.

Franklin also faced challenges in his proposals during the convention. For example, he unsuccessfully proposed that the delegates begin each day with prayer during the height of controversies over state representation.

Despite his concerns, Franklin ultimately supported the Constitution, recognizing the necessity of a general government and believing that it was unlikely that any other convention could create a better one. He urged delegates to accept the document as the best collective effort and worked to convince opposing delegates to abandon their resistance. He also emphasized the importance of unanimity in presenting the Constitution to maintain the strength and efficiency of the government. Additionally, Franklin believed the Articles of Confederation to be too weak and joined the call for a Constitutional Convention.

His influence on the Constitutional Convention

Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the creation of the United States Constitution. At 81 years old, he was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, in 1787. Franklin brought his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the convention, along with his experience as a statesman, scientist, and inventor.

Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention was significant. He was a proponent of freeing American slaves and made the case at the convention that all free black men should be counted as citizens. He also advocated for harmony and compromise among the delegates, successfully forging the "Great Compromise" between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, solidifying representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Franklin's conciliatory nature and esteemed reputation helped to calm disputes and foster agreement. He proposed that the delegates begin each day with prayer and delivered influential speeches urging delegates to accept the Constitution as the best collective effort possible. Franklin's written speech on the final day of the convention, read by James Wilson, emphasised the importance of unanimity and encouraged delegates to put aside personal objections for the greater good.

Franklin's wisdom and respect for others' judgments contributed to his impact. Recognising the challenges of assembling a perfect document with diverse opinions, he expressed astonishment at how close to perfection the Constitution was. Franklin's influence extended beyond the convention, as he also served as president of Pennsylvania's constitutional convention and worked to gain French support for the American Revolution.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention was profound. His wisdom, experience, and conciliatory approach helped shape the Constitution, and his efforts to unite the delegates and forge compromise were instrumental in the creation of the United States Constitution.

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The impact of his advanced age

Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787, making him the oldest delegate present. Franklin's advanced age had a significant impact on the creation of the Constitution and the proceedings of the Convention in several ways.

Firstly, Franklin's age brought a sense of wisdom and seasoned intellect to the creation of the Constitution. As a respected elder statesman, Franklin had a wealth of life experience and knowledge that influenced his contributions to the document. He recognised the importance of unity and compromise among the delegates, and his conciliatory voice helped forge agreements on contentious issues. Franklin's advanced age also made him more open to changing his opinions and respecting the judgments of others. He acknowledged that living a long life had taught him to doubt his own judgments and be more receptive to different perspectives.

Secondly, Franklin's age and frailty affected his physical ability to participate actively in the Convention. On the final day of the Convention, Franklin was too weak to deliver his prepared speech and had to delegate the task to James Wilson. Despite his weak voice, Franklin's proposals and speeches were heard clearly throughout Convention Hall, commanding the attention of the delegates.

Moreover, Franklin's advanced age positioned him as a revered figure among the delegates. He was probably the most esteemed member of the group, second only to George Washington. This respect for Franklin influenced the dynamics of the Convention and the willingness of other delegates to consider his ideas and proposals.

Lastly, Franklin's age and experience shaped his perspective on the Constitution's potential for perfection. He recognised that assembling a group of men with diverse prejudices, passions, and interests would inevitably result in an imperfect production. Yet, he was astonished by how close to perfection the Constitution had turned out, acknowledging the collective wisdom and compromise that went into its creation.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's advanced age had a profound impact on the creation of the Constitution. It influenced his approach to compromise, his respect for differing opinions, and his realistic expectations for the document's perfection. Franklin's age also brought physical challenges but simultaneously lent him a revered status among his fellow delegates, highlighting the unique role he played in shaping the United States Constitution.

Franklin's views on slavery

Benjamin Franklin was astonished by the creation of the Constitution, as he believed that no assembly of men could be expected to produce a perfect document. Despite his doubts, he agreed to the Constitution, believing that a general government was necessary and that this one was likely to be well-administered for a course of years.

Late in his life, Franklin ordered that his slaves be freed, partly because he was concerned that they made their owners lazy and unambitious. In 1789, he wrote against the institution of slavery, arguing that slaves had long been treated as brute animals beneath the standard of the human species. He asked for resources and donations to help freed slaves adjust to society by providing them with education, moral instruction, and suitable employment.

On February 3, 1790, Franklin petitioned Congress to bring slavery to an end. However, his petition was immediately rejected by pro-slavery congressmen, mostly from the southern states. Franklin's health was fragile at this time, and he passed away less than three months later, on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84.

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