Was Ben Franklin a federalist?
Asked by: Rolando Sipes MD | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (45 votes)
Yes, Benjamin Franklin was a prominent Federalist who supported the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a stronger national government to replace the weak Articles of Confederation, though he had specific concerns about executive power and sought compromises like the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention, lending his immense prestige to the Federalist cause for ratification.
Was Benjamin Franklin a Federalist or anti federalist?
Famous Federalists included two of America's most beloved figures—George Washington and Benjamin Franklin—and some of the nation's most gifted political leaders (and thinkers), including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, John Dickinson, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris.
What kind of government did Ben Franklin support?
"A republic, if you can keep it" When Benjamin Franklin was once asked what type of government the Constitutional Convention adopted, his cautionary response was, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Who was the biggest anti-federalist?
Notable Anti-Federalists
- Patrick Henry, Virginia.
- Samuel Adams, Massachusetts.
- Joshua Atherton, New Hampshire.
- George Mason, Virginia.
- Richard Henry Lee, Virginia.
- Robert Yates, New York.
- James Monroe, Virginia.
- Amos Singletary, Massachusetts.
Who were some famous Federalists?
The term "Federalist" was previously used to refer to a somewhat different coalition of nationalists led by Washington, which advocated replacing the weaker national government under the Articles of Confederation with a new Constitution in 1789. This early coalition included Hamilton and James Madison.
Franklin On The Anti Federalist
Was George Clinton an Anti-Federalist?
Governor and Antifederalist Leader
Throughout the Revolution, he advocated strengthening Congress, but after the war, when he and many other New Yorkers felt that Congress and their neighboring states endangered New York's interests, Clinton opposed most increases in congressional power.
What was Ben Franklin's IQ?
While Benjamin Franklin never took an IQ test, historians and psychologists estimate his IQ to be around 160, placing him in the "genius" or "extraordinary genius" category, based on his vast achievements as a statesman, inventor, writer, and diplomat, though some estimates vary slightly. This estimation is derived from studies like Catharine Morris Cox's, which analyzed historical figures' works and contributions.
What was Ben Franklin's position on slavery?
At the same time, however, he published numerous Quaker pamphlets against slavery and condemned the practice of slavery in his private correspondence. It was after the ratification of the United States Constitution that he became an outspoken opponent of slavery.
Why is Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill if he wasn't a president?
Benjamin Franklin appears on the $100 bill not because he was a president—he wasn't—but because of the role he played in shaping America's identity, economy, and institutions.
What is Benjamin Franklin's most famous quote?
Benjamin Franklin is well known for his quote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Franklin wrote and spoke many witty sayings relating to mortality issues, some humorous, some serious.
Who was the only US president to have a PhD?
The only U.S. President with a Ph.D. is Woodrow Wilson, who earned his doctorate in History and Government from Johns Hopkins University in 1886, making him the sole president with an earned doctorate degree. Wilson, a scholar and university president before his presidency, remains unique in this academic achievement.
What's the difference between a Federalist and an Anti-Federalist?
While the Federalists argued for a stronger national government, the Anti-Federalists defended a vision of America rooted in powerful states.
What was the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin?
The two men quickly formed a friendship. They agreed on much. In fact, the older Franklin was a mentor of sort to the younger Jefferson. For example, Franklin tutored Jefferson in diplomacy.
Who were the five Anti-Federalists?
The Anti-Federalist camp included a group of founding-era heavyweights, including:
- Virginia's George Mason, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee.
- Massachusetts's Samuel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, and Mercy Otis Warren.
- New York's powerful Governor George Clinton.
How many slaves did Ben Franklin own?
Franklin owned 7 slaves during his lifetime. An historical examination shows that his view evolved over many years and he ended up a staunch and outspoken abolitionist , writing extensively on the subject. His time in England, in particular was said to have a great impact on his views.
Which president never freed his slaves?
Many U.S. Presidents did not free slaves, as slavery was legal and common, with prominent enslavers including Andrew Jackson, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson, while others like John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Abraham Lincoln did not own slaves but faced complexities in their stances on emancipation. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in rebellious states, not all enslaved people, and many presidents supported the institution, never freeing those they enslaved.
What did Benjamin Franklin think of Native Americans?
In an essay four decades later expressing unabashed admiration for the Iroquois, Franklin wrote: “Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the Perfection of Civility; they think the same of theirs.”
Who has 325 IQ?
Michael Kearney's IQ
Michael Kearney's exceptional intelligence was confirmed when he achieved a reported score of 325 on a Stanford-Binet test at just 6 years old. He completed his college studies at the young age of 10 and by 17, he was already a university lecturer.
What is Oprah Winfrey's IQ?
While Oprah Winfrey's exact IQ isn't publicly confirmed by an official test, some sources suggest a high score, with one educational site referencing a reported Wechsler IQ z-score of 2.73, which would translate to an estimated IQ around 140-141 (above the average of 100, indicating very superior intelligence). This aligns with her widely recognized intelligence, business acumen, and media influence, though official figures are speculative.
What is Benjamin Franklin's 1 hour rule?
Franklin planned and managed his time and activities in a disciplined way. A tool he developed for himself was the five-hour rule. The rule dictates that five hours each week must be spent learning – one hour each day, excepting weekends.
Which president drafted most of the Constitution?
James Madison was the 4th President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. Often referred to as the Father of the Constitution, Madison played a central role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Who was the most outspoken Anti-Federalist?
- Patrick Henry was an outspoken anti-Federalist. ...
- George Clinton was most likely a writer of The Anti-Federalist Papers under the pseudonym Cato. ...
- Richard Henry was a possible writer of anti-Federalist essays with the pseudonym Federal Farmer. (
Has anyone ever been vice president to two different presidents?
Two vice presidents, George Clinton and John C. Calhoun, held the office under two different presidents. Of the 15 vice presidents who went on to become president, eight succeeded to the office on the death of a president, and four of these were later elected president.