USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Written in June 1776, Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, included eighty-six changes made later by John Adams (1735–1826), Benjamin Franklin 1706–1790), other members of the committee appointed to draft the document, and by Congress.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thomas Jefferson is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, although Jefferson’s draft went through a process of revision by his fellow committee members and the Second Continental Congress.

Detailed explanation-3: -Although Jefferson disputed his account, John Adams later recalled that he had persuaded Jefferson to write the draft because Jefferson had the fewest enemies in Congress and was the best writer. (Jefferson would have gotten the job anyway-he was elected chair of the committee.)

Detailed explanation-4: -Thomas Jefferson was the principal drafter of the Declaration and James Madison of the Bill of Rights; Madison, along with Gouverneur Morris and James Wilson, was also one of the principal architects of the Constitution.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Declaration of Independence included these three major ideas: People have certain Inalienable Rights including Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. All Men are created equal. Individuals have a civic duty to defend these rights for themselves and others.