Civil Service Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Benjamin Franklin is famously known for his invention of the lightning rod. This device, which is used to protect buildings and other structures from lightning strikes, reflects Franklin's extensive contributions to science and technology during his lifetime. His experiments with electricity, particularly the famous kite experiment, laid the groundwork for understanding electrical phenomena and led to practical inventions.

Franklin's interest in science was not merely theoretical; he applied his knowledge to create inventions that had significant impacts on both everyday life and the scientific community. The lightning rod exemplifies how he combined his scientific inquiry with practical problem-solving, showcasing his role as a pioneering inventor.

In this context, the other choices represent significant historical events and actions associated with different figures or aspects of American history. For instance, the Declaration of Independence is primarily attributed to Thomas Jefferson, while Patrick Henry is known for the phrase about liberty. Negotiating the Treaty of Paris was a crucial diplomatic achievement that involved several key figures, including Franklin himself, but the invention of the lightning rod stands as one of Franklin's most celebrated contributions to the world.