Politics & Government
Both the ideals that define America and the foundations of its government were given expression and developed in Virginia. The belief in human rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were stated by George Mason and Thomas Jefferson. James Madison crafted the nation’s Constitution. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were four of the nation’s first five presidents. John Marshall developed the Supreme Court into an equal branch of the federal government. Virginia continued to be at the center of many political debates resulting in changes to the entire nation. Explore the way politics and government have shaped the Commonwealth and its people.