9 - Political Theory

Summary

In his own time, Franklin was recognized as a pioneer of political theory. Reading Franklin's 1751 Observations, John Adams first realized the inevitability of American independence. James Madison wrote that Franklin's final 1754 letter to William Shirley “comprises the germ” of the political theory of the American founding. Franklin supported principles he believed led to the best political order, within the limits of prudence. The statesman must have an idea of the best society in order to make laws for the best practicable society. The public, Franklin commented, always acts with an end in view, though often the wrong one. Mulford argues that Franklin developed his mature view of liberalism, the principles that defined “what ought to be the ends of empire,” in the 1750s; his politics may be understood in light of those ends. These long-term goals of colonial growth presupposed eventual independence from Britain.

Franklin also understood himself as a lawgiver in the classical sense, one who by his laws shapes the character of a people. In 1751 he celebrated the prince, legislator, and inventor as the “Fathers of their Nation,” who make growth possible. In Poor Richard, 1752, he wrote, “Myriads made happy, Publick Spirit bless, / Parent of Trade, Wealth, Liberty and Peace.” Just as physical nature was ordered according to certain laws, human beings could make laws to regulate their own natural inclinations. Franklin, for example, attributed Pennsylvania's early growth to “wholesome Laws with good Government” and to “liberty.” Using the science of politics, one could use knowledge of man's behavior to produce a desired end. He writes in his 1729 essay on political economy: “There is no Science, the Study of which is more useful and commendable than the Knowledge of the true Interest of one's Country; and perhaps there is no Kind of Learning more abstruse and intricate, more difficult to acquire in any Degree of Perfection.” Franklin observed certain principles on which government should be based to achieve the right kind of citizen. He would advise the “Prince” on the principles of good government in his 1751 Observations.