The Virginia Declaration of Rights was adopted on June 12, 1776, by the Virginia Convention as a fundamental document outlining the rights of individuals. It served as a model for other state constitutions and the U.S. Bill of Rights. The declaration emphasizes the importance of inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document articulates principles of government, asserting that all power is derived from the people. It also highlights the necessity of a government that protects individual rights and the right to reform or abolish it if it fails to do so.