What influenced James Madison when he wrote the Bill of Rights?

James Madison was significantly influenced by the Virginia Declaration of Rights when he wrote the Bill of Rights. The Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted in 1776 by George Mason, expressed a clear stance on the necessity of protecting individual liberties against government overreach. It articulated fundamental rights such as the freedom of speech, press, and religion, as well as the right to a fair trial. Madison recognized the importance of these principles and sought to embed similar protections within the framework of the new Constitution.

His commitment to ensuring that individual rights were safeguarded against potential governmental power was a central theme in the creation of the Bill of Rights. By drawing from the Virginia Declaration, Madison not only reinforced the arguments for limited government but also aimed to address the criticisms from those who feared the Constitution did not adequately protect individual liberties. This foundational document served as a model, helping Madison articulate the need for specific amendments that would guarantee essential rights to citizens.