Which body adopted the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, an event commemorated by America250?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The congress met in Philadelphia while the Thirteen Colonies were fighting the American Revolutionary War. On July 2, 1776, it approved the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. Two days later, on July 4, it approved the Declaration, which explained the reasons for separation from Great Britain.

The document was drafted chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, working with a Committee of Five that also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Congress debated and edited Jefferson’s draft before approving the final text.

The First Continental Congress had met in 1774 and mainly coordinated colonial opposition to British policies. The Second Congress succeeded it in 1775 and acted as the wartime national government. It directed the military effort, conducted diplomacy, issued currency, and managed the transition toward independence.