1. Primary Source Investigation: Influences on the Constitution Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777) and Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)

2. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777) (page R17) Written by Thomas Jefferson

3. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777) Jefferson’s philosophy on the practice of religion: 1.Virginian’s minds are free and cannot be controlled. 2.People have a right to their own beliefs and leaders should not judge them. 3.Virginians should be allowed their religious freedom without being punished. 4.The government should protect this liberty. 5.People might not have the same religious beliefs and that’s okay.

4. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777) (page R17) Jefferson’s idea for a new law: Every Virginian will have a right to practice religion freely and still keep all of their rights as citizens. Jefferson believed the FREEDOM OF RELIGION was a natural right that no man or government can take away!

5. Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) (pages R18-19) Written by George Mason

6. Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) (pages R18-19) Document with 2 parts. The first part talks about the relationship between the people of Virginia and their government.

7. Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) (pages R18-19) 3 Key Ideas from Sections 1-7: 1. The people of Virginia have the freedom to pursue a safe and happy life. 2. The people are the source of power for government. 3. The government is responsible for protecting the people, and while accepting that responsibility, the government also has limits on its power.

8. Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) (pages R18-19) The second part talks about the rights of the people of Virginia. POWER Paragraph: Which one of the rights listed in sections 8-16 do you feel is the MOST important for all Virginians (and all people)? Why? (Refer to the back of the POWER Paragraph template for the list of rights.)