The significant document the Continental Congress adopted on July 4, 1776, was the Declaration of Independence. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' intent to break free from British rule. It articulated the principles of individual rights, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, emphasizing that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. The Declaration served not only as a formal assertion of independence but also as a philosophical foundation for democratic governance. It galvanized support for the American Revolution and has since become a symbol of freedom and democratic ideals worldwide.