Who is often called the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is recognized as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence due to his role in drafting the document in 1776. As a member of the Continental Congress, Jefferson was selected to create the initial draft that articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. His eloquent writing and underlying philosophy, which emphasized natural rights and the principles of liberty and democracy, shaped the foundational values expressed in the Declaration.

Jefferson's influence is evident in the famous preamble, where he famously declares the rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." His ability to convey these revolutionary ideas succinctly and powerfully has left an enduring impact on American political thought. Other figures, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, contributed to the final document, but it is Jefferson's work that is predominantly recognized as the bedrock of the Declaration.