Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. He was chosen as the principal writer because of his eloquent writing style and his ability to articulate the colonies' desire for independence from British rule. Jefferson's draft emphasized the Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and government by consent of the governed, making it a foundational document in American history that expressed the values and aspirations of a new nation.

In the context of the other figures, John Adams played a significant role in advocating for independence and helping to rally support for the Declaration, but he was not the primary author. Benjamin Franklin was influential as a statesman and diplomat and contributed to the revision of the document, but he did not write the initial draft. James Madison, while a key player in early American politics and often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," was not involved in drafting the Declaration. Thus, it is clear that Jefferson's unique combination of writing talent and philosophical understanding distinguished him as the main author of this pivotal document.