Constitution Quote by Benjamin Franklin
““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-administred; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administred 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, being incapable of any other.””
About This Quote
Source Letter to the Pennsylvania Assembly, 1775
He accepts a flawed constitution, believing a strong central government can be beneficial if well managed, but warns it may become despotic if people become corrupt.
In simple terms: He supports a strong government despite its flaws, fearing future tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Balance power with vigilance.
Themes
government
constitution
power
corruption
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- civic education
- policy design
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent governmental abuse?
- How can citizens stay engaged?
A Different Perspective
Assumes good governance is sustainable.
![“This [the U.S. Constitution] is likely to be administered for a course of years and then end in despotism... when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d23/benjamin-franklin-65_constitution_this-the-u-s-constitution-is-likely-to-b_2328463.jpg)
![“I have so much faith in the general government of the world by Providence that I can hardly conceive a transaction of such momentous importance [as the framing of the Constitution] ... should be suffered to pass without being in some degree influenced, guided, and governed by that omnipotent…” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c85/benjamin-franklin-65_constitution_i-have-so-much-faith-in-the-general-gove_2419503.jpg)
![“To draw around the whole nation the strength of the General Government as a barrier against foreign foes... is [one of the] functions of the General Government on which [our citizens] have a right to call.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d09/thomas-jefferson-43_barriers_to-draw-around-the-whole-nation-the-stre_130273.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
