Question

what phrase did thomas jefferson use in the declaration of independence to describe the newly-freed american colonies?

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence, one of America's Founding Documents, was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, and, even though it was revised by him, the other members of the committee that were also in charge of writing it, and later on by Congress, it can be stated that Jefferson had a major role in producing it.  

Throughout the document he refers to the "thirteen united States of America," but it is at the end when he refers to them as Free and Independent States: "... and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do."

Answer 2

Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was a declarative document designed to clearly make the case for the independence of the colonists from the British government. After stating a legitimate rationale for why a subject people would overthrow their government, he declared that the new nation would be called "The United States of America" and would have no further connection with Great Britain.