Why was the Virginia Declaration of Rights important?
IV. George Mason’s help was needed in 1787. Fifty-five leaders from all over America were gathering in Philadelphia to discuss the future of the country. Mason was one of the men selected as a delegate, or representative, for Virginia. The delegates began writing a new plan, called a constitution, for the government. During the discussions, Mason’s opinions set him apart from most of the other delegates. He was concerned that the central government would become too powerful. He believed that it was wrong to bring more slaves into the country. He felt that the nation’s constitution needed a declaration of rights. In the end, Mason (along with Edmund Randolph and Elbridge Gerry) refused to sign the Constitution. This was their way of showing that they did not approve of the new plan of government. Later, Mason wrote that he was willing to make an unpopular decision because he believed that he was right. What would you have done? In the last years of his life, Mason continued to manage hi
