Committee of five

Definition

The committee of five was a group formed by the Second Continental Congress in June 1776, tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence. This committee played a crucial role in articulating the colonies' desire for independence from British rule and laid the foundational principles of American democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The committee of five consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.
2. Thomas Jefferson was selected to draft the initial version of the Declaration, reflecting Enlightenment ideals about natural rights and government.
3. The committee's work culminated in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which announced the colonies' separation from Great Britain.
4. The committee's recommendations included addressing grievances against King George III and asserting the colonies' right to self-governance.
5. The formation of this committee marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it solidified a unified stance among the colonies toward independence.

Review Questions

• How did the committee of five contribute to the formation of the Declaration of Independence?
  • The committee of five was integral to the creation of the Declaration of Independence as it brought together key figures who articulated the colonies' aspirations for freedom. With Thomas Jefferson leading the drafting process, the committee collaborated to include important principles about individual rights and government accountability. Their work not only defined the grievances against British rule but also set forth a vision for a new nation based on democratic ideals.
• Evaluate the significance of Thomas Jefferson's role within the committee of five in shaping American political philosophy.
  • Thomas Jefferson's role within the committee of five was crucial in shaping American political philosophy as he articulated core Enlightenment principles in the Declaration. His emphasis on natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, became foundational to American identity and governance. By framing independence in terms of universal rights, Jefferson influenced both contemporary revolutionary thought and future democratic movements worldwide.
• Assess how the decisions made by the committee of five influenced future governance in America.
  • The decisions made by the committee of five had a lasting impact on future governance in America by establishing core democratic principles that would guide the nation. The Declaration’s assertions about individual rights and government by consent informed the development of subsequent American documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights. By laying down a framework that emphasized equality and liberty, their work helped cultivate a political culture that valued civil rights and participatory governance, shaping America's trajectory well into its future.

Related terms

Second Continental Congress: The assembly of delegates from the thirteen American colonies that managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence.

Thomas Jefferson: A member of the committee of five who was primarily responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence and later became the third President of the United States.

Declaration of Independence: The formal statement, adopted on July 4, 1776, that declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.