The original draft of the Declaration of Independence
What does the original draft of the Declaration of Independence reveal about Thomas Jefferson?
What do the different drafts of the Declaration reveal about tensions and concerns in 1776?
How does the final draft of the Declaration function as an aspirational document for the United States of America?
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Sample Solution
The original draft of the Declaration of Independence
Drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 became the defining event in Thomas Jefferson`s life. Despite Jefferson`s desire to return to Virginia to help write that state`s constitution, the Continental Congress appointed him to the five-person committee for drafting a declaration of independence. Through the many revisions made, Jefferson retained his prominent role in writing the defining document of the American Revolution and, indeed, of the United States. Jefferson was critical of changes to the document, particularly the removal of a long paragraph that attributed responsibility of the slave trade to British King George III. Jefferson was justly proud of his role in writing the Declaration of Independence and skillfully defended his authority of this hallowed document.
