George Mason: Virginia Declaration of Rights

( 1776 ) Commentary by Nicole Mitchell, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Michael J. O'Neal, Ph.D.

“That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights.” - Section I
“That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people.” - Section II
“Whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary . . . a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.” - Section III
“That the legislative and executive powers of the state should be separate and distinct from the judicative.” - Section V
“That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.” - Section XII
“That the people have a right to uniform government.” - Section XIV

Patrick Henry before the Virginia House of Burgesses (Library of Congress)

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