Virginia's Impact On American Government

Virginia was very influential during the foundation of the United States. Virginians like George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison had significant influence on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Other inspiration for the U.S. Constitution came from some of the core values of Virginia's government. Several pieces of legislation passed in Virginia contained ideas supported by European philosophers like John Locke and Montesquieu.

Essential Questions

• How were the core values of Virginia's government influenced by European philosophers?
• How did James Madison, George Mason, and Thomas Jefferson influence the approval of the Bill of Rights?