Declaration of Independence: The document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies were independent states and no longer part of British rule. This is like writing an official letter stating why you want independence from your parents' house rules.
Articles of Confederation: The first constitution adopted by America’s thirteen colonies which established functions for national government after declaring independence from Britain. It's akin to creating new house rules after moving out from your parents' place.
Thomas Jefferson: He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the main author of the Declaration of Independence. Think of him as the sibling who takes charge and writes down all the reasons for wanting independence.