Who Were the Committee of Five and What Was Their Role in 1776?

Meet the five individuals tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal moment in American history.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 4, 2026

Branched from How the Declaration of Independence Was Drafted and Adopted

Quick take

The Committee of Five was formed by the Continental Congress to draft a statement of independence.
Its members were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author, with significant input and edits from the other committee members.
Their work resulted in the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence, submitted to Congress in June 1776.

The Committee of Five was a group of five delegates appointed by the Second Continental Congress in June 1776 to draft a formal statement explaining why the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain. Their task was to articulate the colonies' grievances and philosophical justification for separation, laying the groundwork for a new nation.

The Members and Their Contributions

The committee comprised five influential figures, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to the table:

**Thomas Jefferson (Virginia):** A planter, lawyer, and political philosopher, Jefferson was chosen to write the initial draft due to his reputation as a gifted writer and his articulation of Enlightenment ideals.
**John Adams (Massachusetts):** A lawyer and leading advocate for independence, Adams played a crucial role in pushing for the committee's formation and provided significant edits and counsel during the drafting process.
**Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania):** A renowned polymath, inventor, diplomat, and writer, Franklin offered his seasoned wisdom and diplomatic insight, contributing to the clarity and persuasive power of the document.
**Roger Sherman (Connecticut):** A lawyer and statesman, Sherman was known for his practical approach and ability to find common ground, helping to ensure the document would be acceptable to a broad range of delegates.
**Robert R. Livingston (New York):** A lawyer and diplomat, Livingston also served on the committee, though his direct contributions to the text itself are considered less extensive than the others. He was recalled to New York before the Declaration was signed.

Crafting the Declaration

The committee's primary work began around June 11, 1776. While all five were involved in discussions and revisions, Thomas Jefferson was assigned the task of writing the first draft. He worked on it for about two weeks, drawing upon Enlightenment philosophy, particularly the ideas of John Locke, and incorporating existing colonial declarations of rights and grievances. He presented his initial draft to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who made a number of significant changes, including strengthening certain phrases and removing others they deemed too harsh or likely to cause division among the colonies. The revised draft was then reviewed by the full committee before being presented to the Continental Congress on June 28, 1776.

After submission, Congress itself took up the document, debating and making further edits over several days. They removed about a quarter of Jefferson's text, most notably a strong condemnation of the slave trade, to ensure unanimous support from all colonies. The final version, as approved by Congress on July 4, 1776, retained much of Jefferson's original structure and most eloquent phrasing, becoming the Declaration of Independence we know today.

The Committee of Five's work was foundational. By articulating the philosophical justifications for independence and listing the specific grievances against King George III, they provided a clear and compelling argument for separation that resonated with the American people and served as a blueprint for future democratic movements worldwide. Their ability to synthesize complex ideas into a concise and powerful document was instrumental in uniting the colonies and securing international support for the nascent United States.

Why were these specific five men chosen for the committee?

The delegates were chosen for a combination of their writing ability, legal expertise, political influence, and geographic representation across the colonies. Jefferson was known for his eloquent writing, Adams for his powerful advocacy, and Franklin for his wisdom and diplomatic skill. Sherman and Livingston provided crucial balance and representation from other regions.

Did the Committee of Five write the entire Declaration of Independence?

The Committee of Five, primarily Thomas Jefferson, wrote the initial draft and made significant revisions. However, the Continental Congress then debated and edited the document further, removing about a quarter of Jefferson's original text before its final adoption on July 4, 1776. So, while they laid the groundwork, the final Declaration was a product of broader congressional consensus.

Were there any major disagreements within the committee?

While there were discussions and suggestions for edits, the committee generally worked collaboratively. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, in particular, provided substantial input and revisions to Jefferson's initial draft. The more significant debates and content changes occurred when the draft was presented to the full Continental Congress, where wider political considerations came into play.

What happened to the members of the Committee of Five after the Declaration was adopted?

All members continued to play significant roles in the new nation. Jefferson became the third U.S. President. Adams became the second U.S. President. Franklin became a key diplomat during the Revolutionary War and a signer of the Constitution. Sherman also signed the Constitution and served in Congress. Livingston served as the first U.S. Secretary of Foreign Affairs and later helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.

Sources

National Archives: Declaration of Independence
Library of Congress: Primary Documents in American History - Declaration of Independence