Dominic+T.+-+CRD+-+FA11

**George Mason**
Virginia was the first colony that was set up in America by Britain. It was the most populous of the first 13 colonies, and a majority of the population were slaves imported from Africa. When Virginia was a colony, the majority of the social structure consisted of rich landowners, the farmers, and the slaves Virginia was mostly forest, which consumed 65% of the land. Since Virginia had a relatively warm climate, it was ideal for the growth of tobacco, which was a cornerstone of Virginia’s economy. George Mason was born in 1725. After the death of his father, his uncle helped in raising him. His uncle’s library contained hundreds of books, with about one third of them on the topic of law. These books helped in shaping young Mason’s thirst for politics. In the year 1754, Mason became a justice in the court of Fairfax. In 1774, Mason framed Virginia’s Declaration of Rights. Mason was a statesmen and delegate for Virginia. In addition, Mason owned both a plantation and slaves. Mason was a member of the Constitutional Convention. In fact, some might say he was one of the most influential of all the delegates at the Convention. He fought long and hard for the addition of a Bill of Rights. Mason criticized most of the Constitution, especially the articles about the House of Representatives and the Senate. His fears led him to believe that, “the new government was destined to either become a monarchy or fall into the hands of a corrupt, oppressive aristocracy.” Mason was a delegate in Virginia’s ratifying convention. At the convention, he brought to attention that Congress was given too much power. Some examples of these powers were that Congress could call forth militia, and could inflict cruel and unusual punishment. Even though the Constitution had a Bill of Rights, Mason was not convinced that the Constitution should be ratified, and voted against ratification. Mason wanted to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution in order to preserve America’s rights. Mason also made mention to ending slave trade. However, Mason did not want to abolish existing slavery, because he himself owned slaves. Some of his greatest arguments against ratification included the poor representation present in the Congress if the Constitution was passed as is. He argued extensively about the executive branch. Mason felt that one leader could not properly represent the union, and would eventually lead to a monarchy. In his mind, an executive branch with three leaders would be sufficient. The leaders would be chosen so that each colonial area (North, Middle, and South) would be represented. This would instill the idea that they were all being properly represented. **Friends and Foes** Friends- Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Robert Yates. Foes- George Washington, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. References- Patrick Henry, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson Daanen, Jeronen. "George Mason 1725-1792." From Revolution to Reconstruction. University of
 * Anti-federalist**
 * Representive state**: Virginia
 * Occupation and Socio-economic background**
 * Purpose at the Constitutional Convention**
 * Purpose at Virginia's ratifying Convention**
 * Arguements against Ratification **
 * Bibliography**