Benjamin Franklin Speech in the Convention Study Guide

Infallibility

The quality of being infallible; the inability to be wrong.

Despotism

The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

Corrupted

Caused to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

Prejudices

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Salutary

Producing good effects; beneficial.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

Unanimity

Agreement by all people involved; consensus.

Posterity

All future generations of people.

Manifest

Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

Recognize the effect of Franklin’s tone in his concession. Analyze the  passage: “I confess, that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution…. The more apt I am to doubt my own judgment of others.” 

His tone is mild and reasonable

Analyze the passage: “When you assemble a number of men…. From such an assembly can a *perfect* document be expected?” Think about the purpose of the rhetorical question. What is he saying about his fellow human beings? 

 He's saying that as a group with such differing opinions a perfect document is just not possible. He’s also using rhetorical questioning to make the other convention goers see that there will never be a perfect document, so they should be compromising and allow the document to pass without everything they want being included as is because it will never be perfect.

Analyze the passage:  “If every one of us, in returning to our constituents,..... From our real or apparent unanimity”  If his opponents leave the convention and  share their objections to the Constitution, what will happen?

It suggests that his opponents’ recommendations will cause the new government to fail?

How does parallelism convey tone? Analyze the passage: “I doubt, too, …… and their selfish views.” What are the effects of the use of parallelism? What does he say about the character of his fellow delegates? Is the effect of the parallelism a pleasing rhythm and balance in his words?

Parallelism is used to convey messages of morality and emphasize ideas, it gives some writing a more rhythmic tone which is easier to read and flows as the reader follows the writing. He is saying that the delegates should settle for the preexisting constitution and not continue to deliberate or bad-mouth it, as it is already incredible considering the circumstances of such a differing convention full of selfishness and prejudices. 

Be able to correct a sentence that contains errors in parallelism.

X: This show is both enjoyable and it is educational

✓: This show is both enjoyable and educational

What is his opinion of the Constitution?

The constitution has its faults, yet it is as good as it is likely to be. And it is necessary to pass a constitution, especially one as successful as the current to show those who oppose the constitution they are not weak or going to fall apart soon.

What is the main point of his speech?

he believes that public opinion in the document is most important, that unanimity shows that the government is strong and efficient. The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because the document is as good as it is likely to be.

What does Franklin see as the problem with people being convinced of their own infallibility?

**He believes that when people are convinced of their own superiority, they are less likely to listen to others, make mistakes, and fail to recognize their own limitations.**

Remember that Franklin believes that the opinion of the people that their government is well- run is key. Find a quote that supports this.

“Much of the strength and efficiency  of any government, in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of that government, as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its governors.”

Approving the constitution will strengthen US relations with other countries because they will see the US as a leader. Find a quote that supports this.

“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 Builders of babel, and that our states are on the point of Separation only to meet here after for the purpose of cutting at one another’s throats.” 

Franklin wants his delegates to ensure that the Constitution establishes a well-run government. Find a quote that supports this. 

“If every one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign Nations as well as among ourselves, from our real or apparent unanimity. Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors.”

Ferocious(ferocity)

savagely fierce, cruel, or violent.

capable(capability)

having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.

enormous(enormity)

the great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.

Minority

the smaller number or part, especially a number that is less than half the whole number.

Impurity

the quality or condition of being impure.

Ethnicity

the quality or fact of belonging to a population group or subgroup made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent

Equality

the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Humidity

the state or quality of being humid

Productivity

the state or quality of producing something, especially crops.

Flexibility

the quality of bending easily without breaking.

Morality

principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

Probability

the extent to which something is probable

Popularity

the state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

Activity

the condition in which things are done.

Austerity

sternness of manner

Brutality

great cruelty

Captivity

The condition of being imprisoned.

Publicity

Notice or attention given to someone or something by the media.

Credibility

the quality of being trusted and believed in.

Formality

The rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette.

Civility

Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.

Confidentiality

The state of keeping or being kept secret or private.

Franklin believes that swift agreement on a national government will be of great benefit to the people.

True