In memory of Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the United States Constitution:
[S]ir, 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.
I 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.
I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. For when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?
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.
~ Benjamin Franklin, The Federalist Papers, Signing of the Constitution, Sept. 17, 1787
From the notes of Dr. James McHenry, one of Maryland s delegates, it was written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention, a Mrs. Powel anxiously awaited outside for the results. As Benjamin Franklin emerged, she asked him directly: “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic, if you can keep it,” responded Franklin.
© 2023 Gregg Zegarelli, Esq.
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See also:
- [30] Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! Patrick Henry – Abridgment Series [GRZ30X] [LinkedIn #GRZ_30]
- [85] Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography – The 13 Virtues – Abridgment Series [GRZ85] [LinkedIn #GRZ_85]
- [95] George Washington’s 75 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior – Abridgment Series [GRZ95] [LinkedIn #GRZ_95]
- [61] Freedom of Religion, by Thomas Jefferson (Notes on the State of Virginia) – Abridgment Series [GRZ61] [LinkedIn #GRZ_61]
- [75] John Adams, Thoughts on Government – Abridgment Series [GRZ75] [LinkedIn #GRZ_75]
The statements or opinions made in this article are solely the author’s own and not representative of any institution regarding which the author is affiliated.
Stand for America® is a series of publications written by Gregg Zegarelli intersecting philosophy and traditional American values published by Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Group. Printed or reprinted with permission.
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