The Virginia Declaration of Rights was adopted on June 12, 1776, by the Virginia Convention. It served as a foundational document for the protection of individual rights and liberties, influencing later documents like the United States Bill of Rights. The declaration emphasizes the importance of inherent rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This declaration also outlines the principles of government, asserting that all power is derived from the people. It establishes the idea that government should be accountable to the citizens and that individuals have the right to reform or abolish any government that fails to protect their rights.