Virginia Declaration of Rights
乔治·梅森 / George Mason
乔治·梅森（1725—1792），一位历史人物，他在两百多年前为美国的独立做出了重要贡献。最近，一座乔治·梅森的坐式铜像在美国首都华盛顿市中心树立起来，以纪念这位以倡导人权、促成被称为人权法案的美国宪法修正案的通过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. 易控制的，顺从的；愿接受的
2. maladministration n. 暴政，乱政
3. militia n. 民兵组织，民兵
4. magistrate n. 地方法官，治安官
5. descendible adj. 可遗传的
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.