Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• A. Thomas Jefferson
• B. George Washington
• C. Benjamin Franklin
• D. John Adams

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is recognizing who drafted the document that declared independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in June 1776 as the principal drafter for a Committee of Five chosen by the Continental Congress. His draft lays out natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and details the colonies’ grievances against King George III as the justification for breaking from Britain. While Jefferson did the main writing, he was supported by others who helped refine the language, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and the committee also included Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The Declaration was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. George Washington led the army and did not write the document.

The key idea here is recognizing who drafted the document that declared independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in June 1776 as the principal drafter for a Committee of Five chosen by the Continental Congress. His draft lays out natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and details the colonies’ grievances against King George III as the justification for breaking from Britain. While Jefferson did the main writing, he was supported by others who helped refine the language, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and the committee also included Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The Declaration was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. George Washington led the army and did not write the document.