Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• optional: (Thomas) Jefferson

Our explanation

A declaration is a statement, and independence means freedom. Thomas Jefferson wrote this “statement of freedom.” It was adopted on July 4, 1776. It announced that the colonies were free from Great Britain.

Remember it

J and J: Jefferson wrote it, and it was adopted in July.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 49. Quote: “Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.” … “The Declaration of Independence is a ‘statement of freedom.’” … “adopted on July 4, 1776.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

• 85Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
• 88James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.