Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which asserts the principle of equality?

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document in American history that asserts the fundamental principle of equality among individuals. Jefferson's eloquence in articulating the idea that "all men are created equal" laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements in the United States. His philosophical influences, particularly from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, helped him frame the argument for natural rights and the inherent dignity of all individuals, emphasizing the moral foundation of a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed. This assertion not only justified the colonies' break from British rule but also established a lasting ideal that continues to resonate in discussions of civil rights and social justice today.