Who is credited with writing the first draft of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the first draft of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As a member of the Continental Congress and part of the committee selected to draft the document, Jefferson's role was pivotal. He was chosen to articulate the colonies' grievances against King George III and express the desire for independence. Jefferson's eloquent writing style and philosophical ideas significantly shaped the document, emphasizing principles such as natural rights and the notion of government deriving its powers from the consent of the governed.

His draft was subsequently revised by others, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who provided input and suggestions. However, the core ideas and much of the initial wording remain attributed to Jefferson, making his contribution fundamental to the creation of this key historical text.