George Mason: Father of the Bill of Rights

by Carla Heymsfeld, Joan W. Lewis

Book by Heymsfeld, Carla R., Lewis, Joan W.

153 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Suzanne LaPierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy-to-read overview of the life and contributions of George Mason, one of the founding fathers and author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which inspired the country's Bill of Rights, later authored by Thomas Jefferson. The author describes how Mason fought hard to have the declaration of individual rights included in the Constitution before it was ratified, as well as his efforts to ensure religious freedom (beyond mere "tolerance"). His concerns proved prescient, even 230 years later: "Many of his concerns centered around the limits of power. He was afraid that the President was too powerful, especially if he joined forces with the influential Senate. He was afraid the Vice President's vote in the Senate might sway critical issues. He also thought federal courts would overpower state courts and make legal action so difficult and tedious that only the rich would be able to afford it,"(p.126). Mason was opposed to the further importation of enslaved people into the US, although he was a slave owner himself (a contradiction that did not escape notice at the time by his opponents). He was an early adopter of vaccines for himself and his children.

After visiting Mason's Gunston Hall estate in Lorton, Virginia, I wanted to learn more about his life without committing to a hefty volume. At under 150 pages, this is a quick read, suitable for middle school and up. It is about thirty years old, however, so some might want to supplement with current sources, especially when it comes to the issue of enslaved people, which has received more recent research. The book includes a few illustrations and a map.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book for junior high students about one of the lesser known Founders of our Country. Written by a reading specialist and a librarian from Fairfax County School District.

[Doug Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about George Mason and his fight to have the Bill of Rights added to the constitution.

Sometimes the question is asked: Is the Bill of Rights a good idea? If we let the government tell us what our rights are, then any rights not listed... are they still our rights?

This book talks about this issue, and also talks about how, if done correctly, then it can be the people telling the government what rights the people already have, and not the government giving rights to the people.

So far, so good.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably intended for middle school students - but there is not a great selection of books available about Mason. A nice light read about a man that we should know much more about.