Virginia Declaration of Rights
喬治·梅森 / George Mason
喬治·梅森（1725—1792），一位曆史人物，他在兩百多年前為美國的獨立做出了重要貢獻。最近，一座喬治·梅森的坐式銅像在美國首都華盛頓市中心樹立起來，以紀念這位以倡導人權、促成被稱為人權法案的美國憲法修正案的通過而名垂青史的政治家、思想家。
Ace in the Hole
Understand these new words before you read this article.
1. amenable adj. 易控製的，順從的；願接受的
2. maladministration n. 暴政，亂政
3. militia n. 民兵組織，民兵
4. magistrate n. 地方法官，治安官
5. descendible adj. 可遺傳的
I That all men are by nature equally free and independent， and have certain inherent rights， of which， when they enter into a state of society， they cannot， by any compact， deprive or divest their posterity； namely， the enjoyment of life and liberty， with the means of acquiring and possessing property， and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
II That all power is vested in， and consequently derived from， the people； that magistrates are their trustees and servants， and at all times amenable to them.
III That government is， or ought to be， instituted for the common benefit， protection， and security of the people， nation or community； of all the various modes and forms of government that is best， which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration； and that， whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes， a majority of the community hath an indubitable， unalienable， and indefeasible right to reform， alter or abolish it， in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
IV That no man， or set of men， are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from the community， but in consideration of public services； which， not being descendible， neither ought the offices of magistrate， legislator or judge be hereditary.