Primary Source Investigation:
Influences on the Constitution
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777)
and
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
(1777) (page R17)
• Written by Thomas Jefferson
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.
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!
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
(pages R18-19)
•Written by George Mason
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.
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.
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.)