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Benjamin Franklin- Pennsylvania

Federalist

Benjamin Franklin was a self-educated scientist, publisher, politician, and diplomat. Although he received one year of schooling for clergy, Franklin’s family was not wealthy enough to afford all years of education. Born to a lower-class family, Franklin gained much success throughout his long life in his endeavors. The later years of his life were filled with much wealth.

Franklin was eighty-one years old when he served as a Pennsylvanian delegate during the Constitutional Convention. He was, to an extent, minimal in his participation of debate because of his health, and even had a speech detailing his beliefs read by fellow Pennsylvanian delegate James Wilson. Franklin held an honorary position during the Convention. He believed that all delegates should sign the Constitution because he didn’t believe that there would be any better option, although even Franklin himself doubted its stability.

Although Franklin did not agree with all of the Constitution, he thought that some form of government was necessary rather than none at all. He also believed that there should be a compromise among the delegates, and signed the Constitution. Franklin was good friends with John Jay and John Adams, and even helped Thomas Jefferson to edit the Declaration of Independence. He was widely respected throughout all of the states and was a major contribution to the ratification of the Constitution.

Works Cited

"Delegates to the Constitutional Convention:." __TeachingAmericanHistory.org -- Free Seminars and Summer Institutes for Social Studies Teachers__. 20 Sep. 2009 . Erekson, Ole, Engraver, c1876, and Library of Congress. "Benjamin Franklin." __ushistory.org__. 20 Sep. 2009 . June, the end of, debate between the large, small states over the issue of representation in the first chamber of the legislature was becoming increasingly acrimonious. Delegates from Virginia, accusations, Benjamin Franklin appealed for daily prayers. Dressed in his customary gray homespun, the aged philosopher pleaded that "the Father of lights . . . illuminate our understandings." Franklin's appeal for prayers was never fulfilled; the convention, and as Hugh Williamson noted. "Constitution of the United States - A History." __National Archives and Records Administration__. 20 Sep. 2009 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibi