Who is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence because he was the primary author of this foundational document, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was selected to write the declaration due to his eloquence and firm belief in the principles of liberty and equality that fueled the American Revolution. His articulation of the philosophical justification for independence, particularly the assertion that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, has had a profound impact on democratic thought and practices not only in the United States but around the world. The declaration uniquely combines Jefferson's insights into human rights and government, making it a pivotal document in American history.