Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a seminal document that proclaimed the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule. The Declaration articulated the principles of individual rights and government accountability based on Enlightenment ideals, arguing that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. It famously asserts that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document not only laid the foundation for the United States' independence but also significantly influenced democratic movements worldwide.