Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. He was selected to draft the document by a committee that included notable figures such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson's eloquent expression of the colonies' desire for independence and his articulation of fundamental principles of individual rights and government make this document one of the most significant and enduring in American history. His writing style and philosophical beliefs significantly influenced the tone and content of the Declaration, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. This landmark document articulated the founding values of the United States, including the ideas of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, which continue to resonate in the nation's ideals today.