George Mason (sometimes referred to as
George Mason IV) (December 11, 1725 – October 7, 1792) was a Virginia planter, politician, and a delegate to the
U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, one of three men who refused to sign. His writings, including substantial portions of the
Fairfax Resolves of 1774, the
Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776, and his
Objections to this Constitution of Government (1787) in opposition to ratification of
the constitution, have been a significant influence on political thought and events. The Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a basis for the
United States Bill of Rights, of which he has been deemed the father.