The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It explains the reasons why the colonies are breaking away from England and the rule of George III. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write the Declaration, but the Committee thought it would be better for only one man to write the document. It took Thomas Jefferson seventeen days to write the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776 the Congress voted to declare independence from England. After two days of debate and some changes to the document, on July 4th, the Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence. This is why we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.
