The Virginia Declaration of Rights, adopted in 1776, asserts fundamental rights inherent to all people, including life, liberty, and property. It establishes the principle of popular sovereignty, declaring that power resides in the people and that government exists to serve their interests. The document advocates for separation of powers, free elections, and protections against governmental overreach, such as freedom of the press and the right to a trial by jury. Influencing the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, it emphasized individual liberties and limited government. The document also stresses the importance of virtue, moderation and the free exercise of religion.