Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. As a key figure in American history and a member of the Continental Congress, Jefferson was tasked with drafting a document that would articulate the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. His eloquent language and philosophical arguments have made the Declaration a foundational text in American democracy, emphasizing concepts such as individual liberty, the rights of the governed, and the right to alter or abolish government when it becomes destructive to those ends. Jefferson’s authorship is a significant aspect of his legacy, and his clear articulation of Enlightenment ideals reflects the values that shaped the United States.