Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin founded the fire department, post office, and public library, making substantial contributions to community life in early America. The correct answer to the student's question is D. All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benjamin Franklin was a distinguished figure in American history, making significant contributions to society by encapsulating multiple roles such as an inventor, diplomat, and statesman. Among his many achievements, Franklin established several lasting institutions aimed at improving community life and addressing social needs in his time. To address the question, Franklin was responsible for a number of community betterment initiatives including establishing the fire department, organizing the post office, and founding the public library.
Specifically, Franklin created the Union Fire Company in 1736, which was one of the first organized fire-fighting companies in the United States. He also set up a more efficient postal system as the Postmaster of Philadelphia, eventually becoming the first Postmaster General of the United States. Additionally, in 1731, he founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, which became the first lending library in America and laid the foundations for the modern public library system.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D. All of the above. Franklin indeed found practical ways to solve problems and meet community needs across multiple public sectors including emergency services, information dissemination, and educational resources.