1. 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?

2. 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

3. 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.

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