Virginia Declaration of Rights

The Virginia Declaration of Rights is a declaration by the Virginia Convention of Delegates of rights of individuals and a call for independence from Britain. Its first draft was developed by George Mason around May 20 to 26, 1776, and amended by Thomas Ludwell and the Convention. Its final version was adopted unanimously on June 12, 1776.

Related Topics:
Virginia Convention of Delegates - Britain - George Mason - May 20 - 26 - 1776 - Thomas Ludwell - June 12

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The Declaration stated that "all men are born equally free and independant (sic), and have certain inherent natural rights,...among which are the Enjoyment of Life and Liberty, with the Means of acquiring and possessing Property, and pursueing and obtaining Happiness and Safety". is available at .

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Mason based his document on earlier documents, such as the English Bill of Rights. In turn, the Declaration heavily influenced later documents. Thomas Jefferson drew on it when he drafted the Declaration of Independence one month later. James Madison was also influenced by the Declaration while drafting the Bill of Rights, as was the Marquis de Lafayette in composing the French Revolution's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Related Topics:
English Bill of Rights - Thomas Jefferson - Declaration of Independence - James Madison - Bill of Rights - Marquis de Lafayette - French Revolution - Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

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