Benjamin Franklin is well known as a Founding Father, inventor, scientist, and diplomat—but this week's episode sheds light on his often unsung role at the Constitutional Convention. Historians H.W. Brands, author of The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, and Edward J. Larson, author of Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership, joined host Jeffrey Rosen.

Earlier this summer, we partnered with The Cultural Services of the French Embassy comparing the freedom of speech in France and in the United States, and how those freedoms are protected in the two countries. Jeffrey Rosen was joined by experts from both countries: Marc-Olivier Bherer, Suzanne Nossel, Geoffrey Stone, and Hélène Tigroudja.

Learn more about Ben Franklin and the rest of the Founding Fathers by visiting the National Constitution Center’s Signers’ Hall! The Center’s hours  are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. ..."

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