What did Benjamin Franklin say about government?
Asked by: Dayne Turcotte | Last update: March 3, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (48 votes)
Benjamin Franklin viewed government as essential but imperfect, requiring constant citizen vigilance to maintain liberty, famously stating, "A republic, if you can keep it," emphasizing that democratic republics depend on active public involvement, and warning against tyranny and corruption while advocating compromise and supporting the U.S. Constitution despite its flaws for its potential to secure freedom. He stressed the need for compromise, free speech, and public opinion for a government's success, fearing future monarchy or despotism if the people failed to uphold their responsibilities.
What did Benjamin Franklin believe about government?
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 farther that this is likely to be well administered for a ...
What was Benjamin Franklin's most famous quote?
Benjamin Franklin's most famous sayings often center on thrift, industry, and wisdom, with "A penny saved is a penny earned" being widely attributed, though he wrote variations like "A penny saved is two pence clear," emphasizing saving money as earning it. Other popular quotes include "Time is money" and his famous observation, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes".
What did Ben Franklin say about freedom?
1, refers to Benjamin Franklin's famous quote, "Those who would give up Essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
What did Ben Franklin say about the Constitution?
I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them: For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I ...
Reporter's Notebook: Ben Franklin's lesson in humility at the Constitutional Convention
Who said we have a democracy if we can keep it?
"A republic, if you can keep it." – Benjamin Franklin On Constitution Day, we remember these timeless words. The challenge remains. The duty is ours.
What did Benjamin Franklin say about the Declaration of Independence?
Abstract. At the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin reportedly quipped "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately". In this bicentennial year, it seems appropriate to provide the following visual confirmation of Franklin's words.
What did Benjamin Franklin say about tyranny?
Benjamin Franklin's famous quote about tyranny is "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God," a powerful statement framing resistance to oppression as a moral duty, often proposed for the Great Seal, reflecting the revolutionary spirit against unjust rule. Another key quote addresses tyranny's roots: "It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins," highlighting the importance of an informed citizenry for liberty, notes Foundation for Economic Education.
What is the most famous quote about freedom?
There isn't one single "most famous" quote, but top contenders often include Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death!" for its revolutionary spirit, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed" for civil rights, and George Orwell's profound observation, "Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four," from 1984, highlighting truth and critical thought. Other popular choices emphasize personal responsibility or the essence of liberty, like Jean-Paul Sartre's "Man is condemned to be free" or Nelson Mandela's "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," often linked to liberation.
What were Ben Franklin's last words?
Benjamin Franklin's reported last words were, "A dying man can do nothing easily," uttered to his daughter, Sarah, when she suggested he move to a more comfortable position in bed as he was struggling to breathe. He died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, with these words reflecting his struggle with his final illness, according to The National Constitution Center.
What was Benjamin Franklin's moral code?
Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. JUSTICE.
What did Benjamin Franklin say about taxes?
Benjamin Franklin is known for saying that nothing is certain but death and taxes.
What is the most famous quote ever said?
There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders include Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind," Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be," and FDR's "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," with others like "I have a dream" and "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" also highly recognized across different contexts.
What did Benjamin Franklin say about keeping the republic?
At the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin, "well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" he gave a trenchant reply that resonates today: "A republic, if you can keep it." While it may seem ironic that his addressee was a woman who could not ...
Who contributed the most to the US Constitution?
James Madison, also present, wrote the document that formed the model for the Constitution. Other U.S. Founding Fathers were not there, but made significant contributions in other ways. Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, was serving as ambassador to France at the time of the Convention.
What was Benjamin Franklin's political philosophy?
The liberation of humans and their reconciling for cooperation were the two great themes of Franklin's political life, in this embodying with a unique directness the cause of the Enlightenment philosophies. Thus he focused his key projects on consolidating and expanding what he saw as the empire of freedom.
What did George Orwell say about freedom?
Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. Big Brother is Watching You.
What is Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote?
Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote is often considered to be from the Declaration of Independence, particularly the preamble's "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," but another well-known quote inscribed on the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" (from a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush). Other popular ones include "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock," and "When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred".
What is the best justice quote in the world?
Top 7 Best Justice Quotes:
Just concentrate on being faithful to the truth." "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." "Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?" "If it were not for injustice, man would not know justice."
What did Ben Franklin believe about government?
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 farther that this is likely to be well administered for a ...
What did Thomas Jefferson think of Benjamin Franklin?
What did Thomas Jefferson think of Benjamin Franklin? Thomas Jefferson had significant respect for Benjamin Franklin. The man had served as his mentor for many years and they were close friends.
What is Franklin's famous line?
Benjamin Franklin has many famous lines, but some of the most well-known are "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" and "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety," alongside practical advice from Poor Richard's Almanack, like "Time is money" and "Well done is better than well said". His quotes cover themes of industry, virtue, and self-improvement, often emphasizing action over words.
What was Ben Franklin's most famous quote?
Benjamin Franklin's most famous quote is widely considered to be, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes," a witty observation on life's inevitabilities that highlights his pragmatic view on life, including mortality and societal systems. He also famously said, "They who can give up essential Liberty, to purchase little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," a powerful statement on freedom often cited today.
What did Ben Franklin say about taxes?
"Death and taxes" is a phrase commonly referencing a famous quotation written by American statesman Benjamin Franklin: Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.
Who first said time is money?
"Time is money" is an aphorism that is claimed to have originated in "Advice to a Young Tradesman", an essay by Benjamin Franklin that appeared in George Fisher's 1748 book, The American Instructor: or Young Man's Best Companion, in which Franklin wrote, "Remember that time is money."