The Virginia Declaration of Rights was a seminal document in American history, adopted by the Virginia Convention at the beginning of June 1776. Authored primarily by George Mason, the declaration emerged from a context of rising discontent with British rule and was a response to the growing sentiment for independence in the American colonies. Mason believed that a formal declaration of the inherent rights of men and the principles of government was necessary to articulate the colonies' stand against oppressive governance.

The declaration articulated several timeless principles, including the fundamental rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and property. It asserted that government was rooted in the consent of the governed, and it outlined the concept of checks and balances within government entities. Its influence is significant; several of the principles laid out in this document would resonate deeply within the later drafting of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Adoption of the Virginia Declaration came amidst the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, where colonists were increasingly seeking to define their rights and liberties separate from British authority. The document not only elevated ideas of liberty but also set a precedent for other states to adopt similar declarations. Its egalitarian philosophy sowed the seeds for future discussions about civil rights, democracy, and the role of government.