1. Blueprints for a Democracy
The Charters of the VA Company of London
The VA Declaration of Rights
The VA Statute of Religious Freedom
The Declaration of Independence
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For Teachers:
Objectives Follow-up Activities

2. The Charters of the Virginia Company of London
King James I gave a charter to the Virginia Company of London.
April 10, 1606

3. Purpose of the Charters
They authorized the Virginia Company to start a colony.
They allowed for a representative government.
They gave the colonists the same rights as Englishmen.

4. The Virginia Declaration of Rights
Written By:
George Mason
June 12, 1776

5. The Declaration of Rights
This was an introduction to the Virginia Constitution
George Mason believed all Virginians should have certain rights.

6. Virginia Declaration of Rights: Freedom of Religion
Right to a fair trial
Freedom of the press

7. Thomas Jefferson used the Virginia Declaration of Rights as a basis for the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution.
This was a giant step toward freedom and Democracy.

8. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Written
by:
Thomas
Jefferson

9. Reasons for Statute
Colonial Virginians attended the Church of England
As Virginia grew, many people came to live in the state who were not of English ancestry.
Should the new state continue to support a state church?
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Jefferson argued that religious beliefs should be solely matters of individual conscience and immune from any interference by the state.
1786

10. What did the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom do?
Separated church and state
Established religious freedom

11. The Basis for the First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

12. The Declaration of Independence
Written by:
Thomas Jefferson
July 4, 1776

13. The Declaration of Independence as it appeared in the “Pennsylvania Packet”
July 8, 1776

14. Reason for Declaration
The Declaration of Independence explained to the world why the colonies should break away from England.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Taxation without
Representation
Refusal to pass laws needed
by colonies
Forced to quarter soldiers in
homes

15. “We hold these
truths to be
self-evident…”

16. Go to File and click on “exit” to return to this slide
Click here to read a copy of the Declaration of Independence
Click here to read a biography of Thomas Jefferson
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