The main writer of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. He was chosen to draft the document because of his skill as a writer and his strong political philosophy. Jefferson wrote the original draft largely on his own in June 1776
. However, the draft was then reviewed and edited by a committee known as the Committee of Five, which included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Adams and Franklin, in particular, made important revisions to Jefferson’s draft before it was presented to the Continental Congress
. The final version was further edited by the whole Congress before being adopted on July 4, 1776. While Jefferson is credited as the principal author, the Declaration was a collaborative effort refined by several key figures
. In summary:
- Primary author: Thomas Jefferson
- Committee of Five: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston (reviewed and edited Jefferson’s draft)
- Final approval: Continental Congress with additional revisions
Jefferson’s original draft laid the foundation for the Declaration, but it was shaped into its final form through the contributions of these other leaders
