Omar Bennett
While Benjamin Franklin was present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, he did not contribute to the actual writing of the final document. However, he did play a significant role in the process. Franklin, who was 81 years old at the time and in poor health, gave a closing speech that encouraged delegates to set aside their differences and approve the document for the nation's good. He also proposed a solution to the dispute over determining the number of Congressional representatives for each state, which became known as the Connecticut Compromise. Additionally, Franklin's ideas and knowledge influenced the content of the Constitution, such as his suggestion that the Constitution should be written to incentivize the appointment of competent judges.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's advanced age and poor health
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when the Constitutional Convention took place in 1787. He was afflicted with gout and kidney stones, which meant he was unable to read his prepared speech himself and had to delegate that task to Wilson (PA). Due to his advanced age and poor health, he was not involved in the actual writing of the final document. However, he did play an important role in the process.
Franklin's vast knowledge of diplomacy, history, politics, and business was invaluable to the other commissioners. For example, when some delegates supported creating a very strong president with absolute veto power, Franklin tempered their enthusiasm by sharing examples of executive power abuse in the Netherlands and colonial Pennsylvania. He also proposed that each state send one congressman to the House of Representatives per 40,000 in population, which became known as the Connecticut Compromise.
Despite his health issues, Franklin actively participated in the debates and discussions. On June 28, 1787, he recommended a daily invocation by a clergyman, reflecting on the role of God in the affairs of men. He also reminded his colleagues of fundamental principles, stating, "In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns."
Franklin's advanced age and health concerns did not deter him from making significant contributions to the framing of the Constitution, even if he did not pen the final document himself. His wisdom and experience were instrumental in shaping the course of history during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Senate Leadership: What the Constitution Says
You may want to see also
He was not a delegate at the convention
Benjamin Franklin was not a delegate at the convention, but he was present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was in office as the state president of Pennsylvania when the convention met. He did not contribute to the actual writing of the final document, but he did play an important role in the process.
Franklin's role at the convention was more hands-on. He was the appointee from Pennsylvania to the Grand Committee, which was formed when delegates could not agree on how to determine the number of Congressional representatives for each state. Franklin proposed that each state send one congressman to the House of Representatives per 40,000 in population. His proposal was known as the Connecticut Compromise, which the general assembly adopted on July 17.
Franklin also contributed to the framing of the Constitution by composing documents that helped pave the way for it. For example, he represented the Colony of Pennsylvania at an intercolonial convention in 1754, which was called principally to negotiate with the Six Nations of the Iroquois. Additionally, his encyclopedic knowledge of diplomacy, history, politics, and business provided the other commissioners with a source of reliable information. For instance, when some delegates supported creating a very strong president with an absolute veto over congressional bills, Franklin tempered their enthusiasm by relating how executives in the Netherlands and colonial Pennsylvania had misused their powers.
Franklin gave a closing speech at the convention, which, due to his ill health, was delivered by a colleague. In it, he encouraged the delegates to put aside their disagreements and approve the document for the good of the nation. Subsequently, they voted to adopt the Constitution and released it to the public.
Founding Fathers: Principles Behind the Constitution
You may want to see also
His views were not incorporated into the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he played an important role in the process of drafting the US Constitution. Despite his significant influence as a Founding Father, Franklin's views were not incorporated into the Constitution in their entirety.
Franklin, in his address to the convention, acknowledged the imperfections of the proposed Constitution, stating that there were parts he did not approve of at present. However, he expressed his willingness to set aside his objections for the greater good, recognizing the necessity of a unified government. He believed that the Constitution, despite its faults, could be a blessing to the people if well administered. Franklin also understood the challenges of assembling a diverse group of men with varying opinions and acknowledged that a perfect production might be unattainable.
Franklin's views on slavery, which he considered "an atrocious debasement of human nature," were not explicitly addressed in the Constitution. While he helped write a new constitution for the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, the issue of slavery was largely avoided during the Constitutional Convention.
Additionally, Franklin proposed a formula for determining the number of Congressional representatives for each state, suggesting one Congressman per 40,000 in population. This proposal, known as the Connecticut Compromise, was adopted by the general assembly, but it did not make it into the final Constitution.
Franklin's advanced age and declining health during the Convention may have also contributed to his views not being fully incorporated. He was 81 years old at the time and suffered from gout and kidney stones, which made it difficult for him to actively participate in the proceedings.
Constitution Liberties: Our Founding Fathers' Promises
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$28 $17.99
He was not a member of the committee that drafted the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was not a member of the committee that drafted the US Constitution. The committee was chaired by John Rutledge. However, Franklin did play an important role in the process. He was the appointee from Pennsylvania to the Grand Committee, which was formed when delegates could not agree on how to determine the number of Congressional representatives for each state. Franklin proposed that each state send one Congressman to the House of Representatives per 40,000 in population. This proposal became known as the Connecticut Compromise and was adopted by the general assembly on July 17, allowing the process to move forward.
Franklin was present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which was a gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies (Rhode Island opted out). He was in poor health during the signing of the Constitution and was rarely seen in public afterward until his death in 1790. Franklin earned the title "The First American" for his early and passionate campaigning for colonial unity. He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris peace with Britain, and the Constitution. He has been called "the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become".
Despite his support for the final document, Franklin did express some reservations about the Constitution. In a speech delivered by a colleague due to his ill health, Franklin acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time. However, he remained open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He also believed that a general government was necessary for the colonies and that the Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a course of years.
Franklin's contributions to the Constitutional Convention extended beyond his role on the Grand Committee. At a critical impasse during the Convention, he attempted to introduce the practice of daily common prayer. Additionally, he gave a second speech where he personally begged Edmund Randolph, who refused to sign due to the absence of a Bill of Rights, to reconsider. Franklin's proposed form for the signatures was intended to affirm that the Constitution had been unanimously approved by the states at the Convention, regardless of personal objections.
The Supreme Power Under the 1777 Constitution
You may want to see also
He was not a strong supporter of the document
Benjamin Franklin was not a strong supporter of the document. In his address, he stated that there were several parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, but he was open to changing his opinion in the future due to his evolving perspectives over time. He acknowledged the difficulties in reaching a consensus among the delegates due to their diverse opinions and prejudices. Despite his reservations, Franklin agreed to the Constitution, believing that a general government was necessary and that this Constitution could be well-administered for a period before potentially degenerating into despotism. He kept his objections private to ensure the document's acceptance and maintain unity.
Franklin's role at the Constitutional Convention was more hands-on than directly contributing to the writing of the final document. He was a part of the Grand Committee that resolved disagreements, such as determining the number of Congressional representatives for each state. Franklin proposed one representative for every 40,000 people, known as the Connecticut Compromise. He also shared his knowledge of diplomacy, history, politics, and business, drawing on his experience as a diplomat in Europe. Franklin's insights helped temper delegates' enthusiasm for a strong presidency by sharing examples of power misuse. Additionally, he composed documents that laid the groundwork for the Constitution and encouraged delegates to set aside their differences for the nation's good.
Franklin's closing speech at the convention reflected his mixed sentiments. While he recognised the Constitution's imperfections, he expressed his consent, expecting no better alternative and acknowledging the possibility that it might be the best option. He kept his objections private, sacrificing them for the public good. Franklin's speech aimed to convince delegates who refused to sign the Constitution to abandon their opposition. He emphasised the importance of unanimity and recommended a signing format that affirmed the states' unanimous approval rather than personal endorsement.
Although Franklin did not write the Constitution, his contributions were significant. His ideas shaped the Connecticut Compromise, and his experience and knowledge influenced the delegates' discussions. Franklin's closing speech played a pivotal role in encouraging delegates to approve the document and fostering unity. Despite his reservations, he recognised the need for a central government to unite the colonies. Franklin's pragmatic approach and focus on the greater good demonstrate his complex relationship with the Constitution, where he consented despite his objections.
The Constitution's Path to Universal Healthcare
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was allowed to contribute to the framing of the Constitution and was present at the Constitutional Convention. However, he did not write the final document, and his specific suggestions were not incorporated into the Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin contributed to the framing of the Constitution by composing documents that helped pave the way for it. He also gave speeches and shared his encyclopedic knowledge of diplomacy, history, politics, and business, which provided other commissioners with reliable information.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin influenced the Constitution through his ideas and suggestions. For example, his proposal that each state send one Congressman to the House of Representatives per 40,000 in population became known as the Connecticut Compromise. Additionally, he reminded his colleagues of basic principles, such as "In free Governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns."
Benjamin Franklin had mixed feelings about the Constitution. In his speeches, he expressed both support and criticism. While he acknowledged that the Constitution had faults, he ultimately agreed to it, believing that a general government was necessary and that it was the best option available at the time. He also recognised that it approached perfection and would astonish their enemies.
![Founding Fathers [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9-HsS5nL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
