Virginia Declaration of Rights

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Virginia Declaration of Rights

The Virginia Declaration of Rights is a document drafted in 1776 to proclaim the inherent rights of men, including the right to reform or abolish inadequate government. It was adopted by the Virginia Convention on June 12, 1776. The Declaration was a significant precursor to the United States Declaration of Independence, which was adopted less than a month later, and it influenced the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution.

Background

The Virginia Declaration of Rights was primarily authored by George Mason, a prominent Virginia planter and politician. Mason's draft was heavily influenced by earlier documents such as the English Bill of Rights (1689) and the works of John Locke, particularly his theories on natural rights and the social contract.

Content

The Declaration consists of sixteen sections that outline various rights and principles. Key provisions include:

• **Section 1**: Asserts that all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, including the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
• **Section 2**: Declares that all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants and at all times amenable to them.
• **Section 3**: States that government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community.
• **Section 12**: Emphasizes the freedom of the press as one of the great bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Influence

The Virginia Declaration of Rights had a profound impact on the development of American political thought. It served as a model for the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, and later influenced the drafting of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution. The principles enshrined in the Declaration have also been echoed in various state constitutions and international human rights documents.

Legacy

The Virginia Declaration of Rights remains a foundational document in American history. It is celebrated for its clear articulation of the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of government. The Declaration is often studied in the context of the American Revolution and the broader movement for human rights.

Related Pages

• George Mason
• Virginia Convention
• United States Declaration of Independence
• Bill of Rights
• English Bill of Rights
• John Locke
• Thomas Jefferson