The Bill of Rights was primarily created by James Madison. Although initially skeptical about the need for a Bill of Rights, Madison proposed a list of amendments to the U.S. Constitution on June 8, 1789, to win support for the Constitution's ratification. He drew inspiration from earlier documents, such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights written by George Mason, and amendments suggested by state ratifying conventions. After debate and revision in Congress, Madison's proposed amendments were reduced and sent to the states for ratification. By December 15, 1791, ten of these amendments were ratified and became known as the Bill of Rights.