Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• A. George Washington
• B. Benjamin Franklin
• C. Thomas Jefferson
• D. John Adams

Answer: (C)

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, who served as the principal writer and crafted the majority of the text. Jefferson was selected for this important task due to his strong writing skills and clear philosophical vision regarding liberty and governance. The Declaration, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the American colonies' intent to break free from British rule and outlined the philosophical foundations of a new nation, emphasizing the principles of individual rights and government based on the consent of the governed.

While other founding figures, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, played significant roles in the American Revolution and the discussions leading up to the Declaration, it was Jefferson's eloquent expression of ideas that made the document resonate through history. George Washington, as the commander of the Continental Army, was not directly involved in the drafting of the Declaration itself, which further highlights Jefferson’s unique role in this pivotal event.