The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It signifies the colonies’ break from Great Britain and the rule of King George III. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write the Declaration, but the Committee thought it would be better for only one person to write the document. It took Thomas Jefferson 17 days to write the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, 1776, the Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. 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.