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Benjamin Franklin

Federalist

Representative of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Constitution at age 81. Despite Pennsylvania's rural economy and geography was the second state to ratify the constitution after Delaware on December 12 1787. Pennsylvania's economy relied heavily on agriculture and lumber industry, but the influence of Philadelphia and leadership of Ben Franklin helped the haste in ratification. . Pennsylvania has a very diverse population of 150,000 and has been a melting pot of ethnicity since it's founding; which has always set it apart from other colonies and helped the general publics support of the ratification.

Franklin, born in 1706, was the tenth child to a Josiah Franklin whom was a soap and candle maker. Not coming from a wealthy family may have influenced Franklin's drive to unite and do good for the average citizen. Franklin has had many titles of occupation including scientist, statesman, inventor, post master, philosopher, printer and economist. He has also been credited with the discovery of electricity and conduction, the invention of the library and the fire department.

Ben Fanklin was easily one of the most widly respected men who attended the Constitutional Convention. Although failing health and weakness limited his participation, Franklin's presence alone gave the Convention legitimacy and greatly helped progress. When the Convention was closing Franklin wrote a speech which is considered a masterpeice of its time. In this speech he urges members to vote in favor of the constitution even if they disagree with parts of it as he did. This speech helped gain the support of all members except three and made the Convention a general success.

Bibliography

The Making of the Constitution, "The Constitution Should be Accepted in a Spirit of Comromise" pg 107*

"The Constitutional Convention" []

"Quick Biography of Ben Fanklin", []