Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was selected to draft the document because of his eloquent writing style and strong ideological commitment to individual rights and government by consent of the governed.

The Declaration itself articulates the colonies' grievances against King George III and presents a philosophical justification for seeking independence, emphasizing concepts like natural rights and the social contract. Jefferson's role as the primary author has made him a central figure in understanding America's foundational principles and the rationale behind the desire for independence from British rule.

Other figures, while instrumental in the American Revolution and shaping the new nation, did not author this pivotal document. James Madison, for example, is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his crucial role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, rather than in the context of the Declaration.