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Building a Nation, 1787-1790
Franklin returned to America in 1785 and within two years was once again at the center of the effort to define and shape the new nation. In 1787 he was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, suffering from poor health and often excruciating pain. Nonetheless, Franklin's experience as a seasoned diplomat and negotiator, combined with his keen observation of human nature, made him an ideal delegate to the Convention.
His most important contributions were his spirit of pragmatic compromise and strong desire for unity. He drew on both to play a significant role in brokering the "Great Compromise"--a legislature of two houses, one elected in proportion to population and one in which each state would have equal representation.
"I confess that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present, but Sir, I am not sure I shall never approve it. . . . this 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, Speech in the Convention at the Conclusion of its Deliberations, 1787 |