During Franklin's term as President of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, several major events occurred, including:
- The drafting of the U.S. Constitution: The Constitutional Convention was convened in Philadelphia with the explicit purpose of drafting a new Constitution for the United States. Franklin was one of the prominent figures involved in the drafting of the document. Although he did not actively participate in the debates, he acted as a mediator, helping to resolve conflicts and build consensus among the delegates. His wisdom, experience, and respect among his peers played a significant role in shaping the final version of the Constitution.
- The inclusion of the Preamble: The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution was primarily written by Franklin, and its first draft included the famous phrase "We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...". Franklin's contribution to the Preamble reflects his belief in popular sovereignty, the idea that the legitimate power of a government comes from the consent of its citizens.
- The signing of the U.S. Constitution: On September 17, 1787, after over four months of deliberation and negotiation, the U.S. Constitution was signed by the delegates present at the Constitutional Convention. Franklin was one of the signatories, recognizing the significance of the document he had helped create. He famously quipped, "I don't know whether it's going to resist time, but this is the finest Constitution that any people ever had."
- The ratification process: Following the signing of the Constitution, the document needed to be ratified by at least nine states before it could go into effect. Franklin actively campaigned for ratification in Pennsylvania and played a pivotal role in securing its approval. He contributed essays, published in newspapers under the pseudonym "Cato," explaining the virtues and significance of the new Constitution, thus influencing public opinion in its favor.
These events mark the momentous achievements and contributions made by Benjamin Franklin while he served as President of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention.