Primary author

Definition

The primary author is an individual who takes on the main responsibility for creating or writing something. In relation to the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is considered its primary author because he was responsible for drafting most of its content.

Related terms

Committee: In order to draft such an important document as the Declaration of Independence, a committee was formed consisting of five members. Although Thomas Jefferson did most of the writing, others provided input and made suggestions.

Drafting process: The drafting process refers to the steps taken to create a written document. In the case of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote an initial draft, and then it went through revisions and edits before being finalized.

Signers: After the Declaration of Independence was written, it was signed by fifty-six delegates from various colonies. While Thomas Jefferson was the primary author, these signers were important in showing their support for independence.