Cornell Insider

“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 I believe, farther, that this is likely to be well administered ONLY 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.”- Benjamin Franklin

Speech to the Constitutional Convention; as reported in James Madison’s notes on the Convention for Monday, September 17th , 1787.