Who authored the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Jefferson was tasked with writing the document as part of a committee appointed by the Continental Congress, which also included figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Jefferson's compelling prose articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule, emphasizing ideals such as individual liberty, equality, and the right to self-governance.

His eloquent expression of the colonies' grievances against King George III and the philosophical underpinnings of a government based on the consent of the governed made the Declaration a foundational text not just in American history, but also in the broader context of democratic movements worldwide. Jefferson’s role in drafting the Declaration solidified his place as a key figure in American history and political philosophy.

While other figures listed played significant roles in the American Revolution—James Madison was a key architect of the Constitution, George Washington served as the military leader of the Continental Army, and John Hancock is famously known for his bold signature on the Declaration—none were responsible for its original drafting as Thomas Jefferson was.