Final answer:
The need to draft a declaration of rights in other states arose from the desire to explicitly protect citizens' liberties and prevent government abuse, influenced by natural rights philosophy and colonial experiences. The Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a pioneering model, and the challenges during the U.S. Constitution's ratification process led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Other states found it important to draft a declaration of rights to ensure that the liberties of their citizens were explicitly guaranteed and protected from governmental abuse. Influenced by the belief in natural rights and the experiences of colonial grievances under British rule, states such as Virginia took the lead with the Virginia Declaration of Rights drafted by George Mason, affirming inherent rights and establishing guidelines for government to serve the common benefit, protection, and security of the people. Such proclamations influenced future democratic documents, including the United States Constitution, which would later be amended to include the Bill of Rights.
The struggle during the ratification process of the U.S. Constitution highlighted concerns that without a bill of rights, individual liberties could be at risk. Larger states like New York and Virginia insisted on specific guarantees as a condition for their support. The subsequent adoption of the Bill of Rights reflected a foundational compromise between Federalists and Antifederalists, safeguarding individual freedoms while allowing for the establishment of a functional national government.
Continental Congress's instructions for states to establish their own governments resulted in various state constitutions and declarations. These documents showcased an American consensus on the importance of codifying citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property, setting a precedent for future governmental frameworks and the ongoing protection of individual liberties.