Which of the following is true about John Adams?

• A. He drafted the Constitution's Preamble.
• B. He helped write the Declaration of Independence.
• C. He served as a British ambassador.
• D. He opposed independence.

Answer: (B)

John Adams played a key role in moving the colonies toward independence by helping write the Declaration of Independence. He was part of the Continental Congress and joined the Committee of Five that prepared the document, and he used his influence to rally support for it once Jefferson’s draft was ready. The Declaration was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, but Adams helped shape, defend, and persuade others to adopt it, which is why this statement is true. He did not draft the Constitution’s Preamble—that honor goes to others like Gouverneur Morris—and he did not oppose independence; he was a strong advocate. After independence, he did serve as a diplomat for the United States in Britain and the Netherlands, representing the new nation, not as a British ambassador.