George Mason was an American statesman and a Founding Father of the United States, born on December 11, 1725, in Virginia. He is best known for his role in drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which influenced the U.S. Bill of Rights. Mason was a strong advocate for individual liberties and limited government. Mason opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 because it lacked a bill of rights. He believed that without explicit protections for individual freedoms, citizens would be vulnerable to government overreach. Mason's legacy continues to be honored, particularly through George Mason University, named in his honor.