Question 78 of 128 American History ★ 65/20 question

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Q: Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration in 1776. He later became the third president of the United States.

Answers USCIS accepts

(Thomas) Jefferson

Give any one of these answers at your interview.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

What it means

Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration in 1776. He later became the third president of the United States.

Say “Jefferson” or “Thomas Jefferson.” This is a 65/20 question.

Declaration of Independence painting by John Trumbull showing the Committee of Five presenting the draft to Congress in 1776 — Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Trumbull. U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Memory tip: Jefferson wrote the Declaration (J for July 4).

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Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: 2026-10-31.