Ben Franklin's Constitution: Freedom And Unity

Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was a seasoned intellect who brought insight and patriotism to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Franklin was the oldest signer of the Constitution at 81 years old, and while he admitted that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a course of years. He urged delegates to accept the document as the best that a collective body was likely to be able to craft and believed that the sun painted on the back of George Washington's chair was a rising rather than a setting sun.

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Franklin believed the Constitution was the best that could be expected from a collective body

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played an influential role in the fight for American independence and helped shape the U.S. Constitution. Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of the document.

In his influential speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Franklin expressed his belief that the Constitution was the best that could be expected from a collective body. He acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he remained open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. Franklin recognized that assembling a number of men to contribute their wisdom also brought together their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views. Despite these challenges, he was astonished to find the Constitution approaching so near to perfection.

Franklin's humility and respect for the judgment of others are evident in his words: "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 further emphasized that a general government was necessary, and any form of government could be a blessing to the people if well administered.

Franklin urged delegates to accept the Constitution, sacrificing his personal opinions for the public good. He recognized the importance of unanimity and hoped that the document would be generally received, bringing advantages and securing happiness for the people. Franklin's reputation as a champion of U.S. independence and a statesman was solidified through his contributions to the Constitution and his lifelong dedication to the freedoms it embodied, including freedom of the press, religious freedom, speech, and assembly.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's belief that the Constitution was the best that could be expected from a collective body was rooted in his pragmatism, humility, and commitment to the greater good. His influential speech at the Constitutional Convention played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the United States.

He thought a general government was necessary

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was the oldest delegate at 81 years old during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was a strong advocate for independence and played an influential role in shaping the U.S. Constitution.

Franklin believed in the necessity of a general government, stating: "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." He recognised that any form of government could degenerate into despotism if the people became corrupted and required despotic rule. However, he also acknowledged the potential for a government to be a force for good if administered wisely and justly.

Franklin's support for a general government was rooted in his understanding of the need for unity and collective decision-making. He recognised that a collective body, despite its imperfections, was the best means of crafting a constitution. He urged delegates with objections to doubt their infallibility and set aside personal biases for the greater good.

Franklin's speech at the Constitutional Convention reflected his pragmatism and humility. He acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution he did not approve of, he remained open to changing his opinions with age and new information. This humility and respect for diverse opinions were crucial in fostering unanimity among the delegates.

Franklin's influence extended beyond his words, as he became the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, contributing his seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this pivotal document.

He believed the Constitution would be well-administered for a course of years

Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father, a publisher, an entrepreneur, a diplomat, a printer, an inventor, a scientist, and a statesman. He played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was also a proponent of freeing American slaves and a champion of the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press.

Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution at 81 years old. He gave a speech on September 17, 1787, before the signing of the Constitution, in which he expressed his belief that the Constitution would be well-administered for a course of years. Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of, but he remained open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He respected the judgment of others and valued unanimity among the members of the Convention.

In his speech, Franklin emphasized the importance of a general government and believed that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if well administered. He stated, "there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other."

Franklin's optimism about the Constitution's potential for good administration was based on his trust in the collective wisdom of the assembly. He recognized that while individuals may have prejudices, passions, and errors in judgment, the collective assembly could still create a near-perfect system. Franklin's support for the Constitution was also influenced by his desire to present a unified front to the country's enemies and maintain the strength and efficiency of the government.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's belief in the Constitution being well-administered for a course of years stemmed from his faith in the collective wisdom of the assembly, his understanding of the importance of good administration, and his commitment to presenting a unified front for the public good.

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He doubted his own infallibility and urged others to do the same

Benjamin Franklin, in his influential speech at the end of the Constitutional Convention, demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-reflection and humility. He acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he remained open to the possibility that his opinions could change over time. This sentiment is reflected in his words: "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."

Franklin's humility and respect for the judgment of others shone through as he shared his thoughts on the fallibility of human judgment: "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 recognized that with age, he had become more aware of his own limitations and was more inclined to consider the perspectives of others.

This wisdom and maturity extended beyond himself as he urged other delegates to embrace a similar mindset. Franklin recognized that each member of the Convention brought their own unique perspectives, prejudices, passions, and interests. He understood that creating a perfect document under such circumstances was incredibly challenging. Therefore, he encouraged his fellow delegates to set aside their objections and unite behind the Constitution, acknowledging its potential for positive change: "I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention, who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion, doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument."

Franklin's words carried weight, and his reputation as a champion of U.S. independence and freedom of the press added to their impact. He was the oldest signer of the Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the process. By expressing his doubts and encouraging others to do the same, Franklin fostered an environment of unity and compromise, recognizing that a general government was necessary for the nation to function effectively.

Franklin thought the Constitution would unite the States

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era 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 believed that the Constitution would unite the States. In a speech he gave on September 17, 1787, Franklin expressed his hope that the Constitution would prevent the States from separating and descending into violence:

> "It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats. Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."

Franklin further emphasised the importance of unanimity in his speech, urging delegates with objections to the Constitution to put aside their personal infallibility and unite in signing the document. He proposed a form of signing that would affirm the unanimous approval of the Constitution by the states present at the Convention. Franklin himself signed the Constitution, despite having reservations about certain parts of it, because he believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered.

Franklin's support for the Constitution, despite his acknowledged imperfections, demonstrates his belief in the potential for unity and good governance that it represented for the newly independent nation.

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