Jonah Patel
Benjamin Franklin's On the Faults of the Constitution was a speech written to address the weaknesses of the Constitution. In his speech, Franklin expresses his doubts about the Constitution, acknowledging that there are several parts he does not approve of. He highlights the importance of considering diverse opinions and the potential for bias among the men involved in drafting the document. Despite his criticisms, Franklin ultimately signed the Constitution, recognizing the necessity of a general government and the possibility that it could be well-administered. He also acknowledges the imperfections of all forms of government and expresses his hope that the Constitution will be well-administered for a course of years. Franklin's presence at the Constitutional Convention and his sage advice, particularly on the role of the national executive branch, influenced the final document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Franklin's doubts about the Constitution | He confessed that there were several parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, but he was open to changing his mind in the future. |
| Respect for others' judgments | Franklin acknowledged that he had become more doubtful of his own judgment as he had grown older, and he respected the judgments of others. |
| Necessity of a general government | Franklin believed that a general government was necessary and that any form of government could be a blessing if well administered. |
| Potential for despotism | Franklin warned that the Constitution could eventually lead to despotism if the people became corrupted. |
| Imperfections of the assembly | Franklin recognized that the assembly included men with prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views, which could impact the final production. |
| Unity and unanimity | Franklin wished that members with objections would doubt their infallibility and put aside their personal objections for the sake of unanimity. |
| Sacrifice of personal opinions | Franklin kept his opinions of the Constitution's errors to himself, sacrificing them for the public good and the real or apparent unanimity of the group. |
| Influence on the final Constitution | Franklin's presence at the convention and his advice influenced several key aspects of the final Constitution, including the framework of the national executive branch. |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin did not entirely approve of the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's greatest patriots, played a significant role in shaping the nation. At 81, Franklin was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, and his presence carried weight and influence. In his speech, "On the Faults of the Constitution," Franklin expressed his doubts and criticisms of the proposed Constitution, acknowledging that it had both strengths and weaknesses.
Franklin began his speech by confessing that he did not entirely approve of the Constitution in its current form. He stated, "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 openness to changing his opinions with better information or fuller consideration were evident in his words. He recognized that the assembly, despite its diverse opinions and wisdom, could not produce a perfect document.
One of Franklin's main concerns was the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry refused to sign due to this omission. Franklin also pointed out the lack of addressing slavery, which affected 18% of the population at the time. Additionally, there were contentious debates about the determination of the number of Representatives in the House, the signing of treaties, and the construction of roads and canals.
Despite his criticisms, Franklin ultimately signed the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but recognizing the necessity of a general government. He stated, "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." Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice his opinions for the public good were reflected in his decision to sign.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his speech. He advised against concentrating executive authority in a single person, drawing from his experience with monarchy. While Hamilton argued for an elected monarchy, Franklin preferred a small council with frequent member changes. The delegates compromised by electing a single executive every four years. Franklin's wisdom and experience contributed to shaping the final form of the Constitution, despite his initial disapproval of certain parts.
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He believed a general government was necessary
In his speech, "On the Faults of the Constitution", Benjamin Franklin acknowledged the faults of the Constitution, but also pointed out its strengths. In the speech, Franklin expressed his doubts about certain parts of the Constitution, stating that he did not entirely approve of it. However, he also recognised the importance of a general government and the diversity of opinions among the delegates.
Franklin's speech highlighted his belief in the necessity of a general government. He argued that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if it was well-administered. Franklin trusted that the Constitution would be well-administered for a period of years and that it had the potential to bring about positive change. He acknowledged the imperfections of the Constitution but chose to focus on the greater good, sacrificing his opinions for the benefit of the nation.
Franklin's wisdom and presence at the convention carried significant weight, influencing several key aspects of the new Constitution. One of the critical issues he addressed was the role and structure of the national executive branch. Having witnessed the pitfalls of monarchy, Franklin advocated for a distributed power structure, suggesting a small council with rotating members. However, this idea was opposed by Hamilton, who preferred an elected monarchy with a single executive. As a compromise, the delegates agreed on a single executive elected every four years.
Franklin's speech also emphasised the importance of unanimity and respect for diverse opinions. He acknowledged that the assembly included men with diverse backgrounds, passions, prejudices, and local interests. Despite these differences, Franklin appealed to the delegates' sense of unity and requested that they set aside their personal objections for the sake of the country's progress. He urged those with objections to consider the potential benefits of the Constitution, both domestically and in the eyes of foreign nations.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's acknowledgement of the faults of the Constitution was rooted in his belief in the necessity of a general government. He recognised the potential for any form of government to be beneficial if well-administered. Franklin's wisdom and influence played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution, and his emphasis on unanimity and respect for diverse opinions helped lay the foundation for the country's democratic principles.
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He doubted whether a better constitution could be made
Benjamin Franklin, in his speech "On the Faults of the Constitution", acknowledged the faults of the Constitution and expressed his doubts about the possibility of creating a better one. He began his speech by confessing that he did not entirely approve of the Constitution as it stood, but acknowledged that his views could change over time:
> "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 humility and open-mindedness shone through in these words, as he recognized the limitations of his own judgment and the potential for growth and change. He further emphasized the challenges of assembling a group of individuals with diverse opinions and biases and questioned the likelihood of creating a perfect production under such circumstances.
Despite his misgivings, Franklin ultimately agreed to the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but recognizing the necessity of a general government:
> "In these sentiments, Sir, 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."
Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to compromise shone through in this statement. He recognized that while the Constitution may not be perfect, it was essential for the functioning of the nation. Furthermore, he expressed his belief that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a period of time and that it could end in despotism if the people became corrupted.
Franklin's speech highlighted his nuanced perspective on the Constitution. While he acknowledged its faults and imperfections, he also recognized the challenges inherent in the law-making process and the necessity of establishing a functional government. His willingness to set aside his personal objections for the greater good demonstrated his commitment to unity and the well-being of the nation.
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He sacrificed his opinions of its errors for the public good
Benjamin Franklin's views on the faults of the Constitution were expressed in his speech "On the Faults of the Constitution". In this speech, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time. However, he also recognised that his opinions could change with better information or fuller consideration. He stated that as he had grown older, he had become more doubtful of his own judgment and more respectful of the judgments of others.
Franklin's concerns about the Constitution included the absence of a Bill of Rights, the determination of the number of Representatives in the House, the process of signing treaties, and the issue of slavery, which was barely addressed despite affecting 18% of the population at the time, according to the 1790 census. Despite these faults, Franklin ultimately agreed to the Constitution, signing it on September 17, 1787. He recognised the necessity of a general government and believed that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if well administered. Franklin also considered the potential for despotism if the people became corrupted and incapable of any other form of governance.
Franklin's sacrifice of his opinions on the errors of the Constitution for the public good demonstrates his commitment to unity and the greater good. He understood that publicly expressing his objections could hinder the Constitution's acceptance and negatively impact the advantages that a unified front could bring among foreign nations and within the country. Franklin hoped that by setting aside his personal views, he could contribute to a stronger and more efficient government that would ultimately secure the happiness and well-being of the people.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his acknowledgment of the Constitution's faults. His presence at the Constitutional Convention and his advice on key aspects, such as the role and framework of the national executive branch, left a lasting impact. Franklin's preference for a shared power structure, as opposed to a single executive-for-life, helped shape the decision to elect a single executive every four years. His wisdom and experience, combined with his willingness to set aside personal opinions for the greater good, made him a pivotal figure in the formation of the United States' system of governance.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's sacrifice of his opinions on the errors of the Constitution for the public good demonstrates his statesmanship and commitment to unity. His acknowledgment of the Constitution's faults, coupled with his influence on key aspects of the document, showcases his pivotal role in shaping the nation's future. Franklin's wisdom and experience contributed to the creation of a governing framework intended to secure the happiness and well-being of the people of the United States.
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He believed the constitution was approaching near perfection
In his speech, "On the Faults of the Constitution", Benjamin Franklin acknowledged the faults of the Constitution, but also pointed out its strengths. In the beginning, Franklin expressed his disapproval of certain parts of the Constitution, stating that he did not entirely approve of it. However, he left room for the possibility that his opinion could change with better information or fuller consideration.
Despite his initial criticisms, Franklin ultimately agreed to and signed the Constitution, recognising the necessity of a general government. He acknowledged that no form of government is perfect, and believed that even with its faults, the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered. Franklin's humility and respect for the judgment of others influenced his decision to consent to the Constitution.
Franklin also considered the practical implications of publicly expressing objections to the Constitution. He understood that doing so could prevent it from being generally accepted, which would hinder the potential benefits it could bring to the nation and its perception among foreign nations. Franklin's pragmatism and desire for unanimity led him to sacrifice his personal opinions for the greater good.
Furthermore, Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and recognised the importance of compromise. He understood that a diverse assembly with varying opinions would inevitably result in a document that may not be perfect in everyone's eyes. Despite its imperfections, Franklin proudly signed the Constitution, acknowledging that he expected no better and was not sure if a better alternative existed.
In addition, Franklin's views on the role of the national executive branch influenced the structure of the government. He opposed concentrating power in a single individual, drawing from his experiences with monarchy. This perspective contributed to the decision to elect a single executive for a limited term, balancing Hamilton's preference for an elected monarchy.
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Frequently asked questions
Franklin was 81 years old when he gave a speech at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he acknowledged the faults of the Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin acknowledged that the Constitution was not written to the best of its ability, and he had doubts about some parts. He also believed that the document did not include everyone's input and opinion.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin believed that the Constitution was imperfect. He noted that there were several parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time. However, he also acknowledged that his opinions could change with better information or fuller consideration.
Benjamin Franklin signed the Constitution because he believed that a general government was necessary and that it could be a blessing to the people if well administered. He also recognized that the Constitution was the best option available and that unanimity was important for the country's success.
