Who was responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was chosen to be the primary author due to his eloquent writing style and his ability to articulate the colonies' desire for independence from British rule. The document encapsulates Enlightenment ideals, such as individual rights and government by consent, and it served as a foundational text for American democracy.

While other founding fathers like John Adams and Benjamin Franklin played significant roles in advocating for independence and supporting the effort, it was Jefferson who put pen to paper and formulated the original draft that would declare the American colonies free from British control. Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, was not involved in this document, as he was focused on financial systems and governance later during the formation of the United States.