June 12, 1776, the Virginia Constitutional Convention approves George Mason’s Bill of Rights. Why should we care? by Daniel Sheridan
June 12, 1776, the Virginia Constitutional Convention approves George Mason’s Bill of Rights. Why should we care?By Daniel SheridanRecurrence to Fundamental Principles, Love, and Charity: The Foundations of a Free Society – By Daniel Sheridan1776 was the year of the Declaration of Independence and constitution-making in the new states. One question Americans couldn’t answer yet: Who had the right to declare what the law shall be?Historian Forrest McDonald describes the problem facing the Patriots:“Of the eight constitutions established in 1776, six were drafted by bodies especially elected for the purpose, but they were never submitted to anyone for ratification…Proclamation of [...]
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights: A Transcription The Preamble to The Bill of Rights Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine. THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution. RESOLVED by [...]