Virginia Declaration of Rights Drafted by George Mason The declaration was the first of its kind in its state- ments about inherent rights. “All men are by nature equally free and independent.” Does this sound familiar?

Quick Notes 2. The Virginia Declaration of Rights Served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom In 1779, governor of Virginia Thomas Jefferson drafted this statute. This document was based on the principle that church and state should be separate. This was a reaction against attempts to make taxpayers provide for churches. The bill was designed to prevent government establishment of religion.

Quick Notes 5. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom Freedom of religious beliefs and opinions Idea of separation of church and state