Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is the individual credited with writing the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. As the principal author, Jefferson was tasked with articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. His eloquent writing and philosophical ideas about individual rights and government derived from the consent of the governed significantly influenced the core values of the document. The Declaration outlines key principles, such as the inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which have had a lasting impact on both American and global democratic ideals.

The other notable figures in the choices played important roles in the founding of the United States but were not involved in drafting the Declaration. George Washington was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and later the first President, Benjamin Franklin was a statesman and diplomat instrumental in securing French support during the Revolution, and Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and a key author of the Federalist Papers, contributing significantly to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.