Who helped draft the Declaration of Independence?

Who helped draft the Declaration of Independence?

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

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is who produced the actual text that declared independence. Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration; he wrote the initial draft after being selected as part of the Committee of Five appointed to draft the document. Benjamin Franklin contributed as a fellow delegate and offered input and revisions, helping shape the language, but the draft itself originated with Jefferson. John Adams also advocated for the move to independence and supported revisions, while George Washington did not draft the document. So, while Franklin played a significant supporting role in refining the declaration, Jefferson is the one who drafted the core text that was presented to the Continental Congress.

The main idea here is who produced the actual text that declared independence. Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration; he wrote the initial draft after being selected as part of the Committee of Five appointed to draft the document. Benjamin Franklin contributed as a fellow delegate and offered input and revisions, helping shape the language, but the draft itself originated with Jefferson. John Adams also advocated for the move to independence and supported revisions, while George Washington did not draft the document. So, while Franklin played a significant supporting role in refining the declaration, Jefferson is the one who drafted the core text that was presented to the Continental Congress.