Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. He was designated as the principal writer due to his eloquent writing style and ability to convey the ideas of liberty and self-governance that were critical during the American Revolution. The document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. Jefferson's work was influenced by Enlightenment principles, particularly those emphasizing natural rights and the social contract, which argue that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Moreover, while other founding figures contributed to the revolutionary cause, their roles were not as central to the drafting of this key document as Jefferson's.