Who were the Founding Fathers?
The Founding Fathers were the leaders who declared American independence, fought the Revolutionary War and created the US Constitution. They include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.
The group is often defined as the people who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation, or the Constitution in 1787. Historian Richard Morris identified seven key Founding Fathers: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Madison, Hamilton and Jay.
Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. James Madison is called the Father of the Constitution for his role in drafting it and the Bill of Rights. George Washington led the Continental Army and became the first president. Benjamin Franklin helped secure French support during the war.
A complicated legacy
The Founding Fathers created a lasting system of government based on democracy, separation of powers and individual rights. However, many of them, including Washington and Jefferson, enslaved people, and the rights they wrote about were not extended to women, enslaved people or Native Americans.
Did You Know?
The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.