Who is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence because he was appointed by the Continental Congress to draft the document in June 1776. His eloquent writing and deep understanding of Enlightenment principles helped articulate the colonies' justification for seeking independence from British rule. In the Declaration, Jefferson presented key ideas about individual rights and the legitimacy of government derived from the consent of the governed, which became foundational concepts in American political philosophy.

While other Founding Fathers played significant roles in the American Revolution and the formation of the new government, it was Jefferson’s words that captured the revolutionary spirit and aspirations of the colonists at that pivotal moment in history. His mastery of language and ability to synthesize complex ideas into a compelling argument made the Declaration not just a legal document, but also a manifesto of American values and ideals.