Understanding Ben Franklin's Speech

What was the primary purpose of Ben Franklin's speech at the Constitutional Convention?

• To propose a new form of government

• To express his support for the Constitution despite its imperfections

• To criticize the delegates for their disagreements

• To suggest amendments to the Constitution

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In his speech, Franklin mentions his doubts about the Constitution. What does he ultimately decide about these doubts?

• He believes they are too significant to overlook

• He decides to ignore them completely

• He acknowledges them but chooses to support the Constitution anyway

• He thinks they will be resolved in the future

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Franklin uses an analogy in his speech to describe his feelings about the Constitution. What is this analogy?

• A ship setting sail

• A painting with flaws

• A house under construction

• A book with missing pages

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Franklin suggest about the nature of compromise in his speech?

• It is unnecessary in the creation of a government

• It is a sign of weakness

• It is essential for the success of the Constitution

• It should be avoided at all costs

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does Franklin view the opinions of the other delegates at the convention?

• He dismisses them as irrelevant

• He respects them and values their input

• He believes they are misguided

• He thinks they are too divided to reach a consensus

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

What does Franklin hope the public will do regarding the Constitution?

• Reject it until it is perfect

• Accept it with all its faults

• Demand immediate amendments

• Ignore it completely

Franklin mentions his age in the speech. How does he use this to support his argument?

• He claims his age makes him wiser than the other delegates

• He suggests that his long life has taught him the value of compromise

• He argues that he is too old to care about the outcome

• He believes his age gives him the right to make final decisions

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Franklin say about the possibility of creating a perfect government?

• It is achievable with enough effort

• It is impossible due to human nature

• It has already been accomplished with the Constitution

• It is unnecessary for a functioning society

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does Franklin address the issue of unanimity among the delegates?

• He insists that unanimity is crucial for the Constitution's success

• He believes that a majority agreement is sufficient

• He argues that unanimity is impossible and unnecessary

• He suggests postponing the decision until unanimity is reached

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

What is Franklin's ultimate recommendation to the delegates regarding the Constitution?

• To continue debating until everyone agrees

• To sign it and support it publicly

• To reject it and start over

• To leave the decision to future generations

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3