Patrick Henry
“Speech in the Virginia Convention”
What course of action does Henry want the colonists to take? He wants the colonists to prepare for
war.
What is Henry’s answer to the objection that the colonists are not ready to fight against the British? He
contends that the colonies are not weak and that they will not fight alone – they will be aided by God.
Benjamin Franklin
“Speech in the Convention”
Why does Franklin feel that unanimity among the delegates is essential to the success of the United
States? Unanimity will show citizen and the world that conflicting political interests do not prevent
the nation’s officials from working together.
According to Franklin, why would any document created by committee be faulty? A committee brings
together not just its strengths but also its weaknesses (people all have shortcomings and would bring
those to a committee)
What political assumptions does Henry make about the nature of government? Does Franklin make
similar assumptions? Henry mistrusts governmental power, which can oppress (Britain). Franklin
believes government is good or bad depending on its people.