VIRGINIA'S 1ST STATE CONSTITUTION ADOPTED IN WILLIAMSBURG, DECLARATION OF RIGHTS INCLUDED
Williamsburg, Virginia (JFK+50) On June 29, 1776, the Fifth Virginia Convention, meeting at the Capitol Building here in Williamsburg, adopted Virginia's first state constitution including a Declaration of Rights.
The Virginia Constitution* served as "a major ideological foundation and model" for other state governments and the United States Constitution of 1789. Patrick Henry** was elected governor and the constitution went into effect with his swearing-in on July 6, 1776.
JFK+50 NOTE
I have committed a part of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty" speech to memory, you might want to fact check this...
"Gentlemen may cry peace, peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God, I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
*By the Virginia Constitution a General Assembly was designated the legislative branch of government composed of a House of Delegates & Senate. The governor, elected for 1 year terms (3 consecutive maximum), was intentionally limited in power.
**Patrick Henry (1736-1799) was born in Studley, Virginia & served as a delegate to Virginia's House of Burgesses. At the 2nd Virginia Convention of 1775 he spoke those immortal words, "Give me liberty or give me death." PH was a delegate to the First Continental Congress but stayed only a short time at the Second.
SOURCE
"First Virginia Constitution, June 29, 1776," Shaping the Constitution, www.lva.virginia.gov/
