(Here's a link to the above Tweet - I refuse to call it an 'X' - in case I have not properly embedded same here.)September 17 marks #ConstitutionDay, a day to honor the signing of this historic document. On this day in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Constitution, shaping the future of the United States. pic.twitter.com/xIOhTUMMCV
— U.S. National Archives (@USNatArchives) September 17, 2024
Franklin's response? "A republic, if you can keep it."
Today is the 237th anniversary of the date on which the original Constitution was adopted. (The link will take you to a transcription of the Constitution.)
Franklin's remarks inside the hall that day are not as well remembered, but nonetheless vitally important in our current world.
Franklin was not wholly enamored of the document. He had doubts about several particulars. But he made the motion to have the Constitution adopted unanimously by the convention. And, before making that motion, he offered this observation (source):
In these sentiments, Sir, 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; and believe further, 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.Our government, Franklin warned, can only end in despotism "as other forms have done before it" (see, the Roman Republic) when and if "the people shall be so corrupted as to need despotic government."
On this Constitution Day, let us vow to resist corruption, so that our precious Constitution may long remain a blessing to us and to our posterity.
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