Which founding document’s adoption is America250 commemorating in 2026?

America250 commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, 1776, declaring that the Thirteen Colonies were free and independent states rather than colonies of the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Declaration also explained the political reasons for separation and presented principles about government and individual rights.

Thomas Jefferson drafted the document, working with the Committee of Five. The committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Congress revised Jefferson’s draft before adopting it.

The Declaration is often confused with the Constitution because both are foundational American documents. They served different purposes: the Declaration announced independence in 1776, while the Constitution established the federal government’s framework in 1787. The Articles of Confederation preceded the Constitution as the first national governing framework.