John Adams advocated for the Declaration of Independence in Congress.
Continental Congress . The Declaration of Independence was issued two days later declaring themselves a new nation : the United States of America . John Adams . Adams was a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress , where he played a leading role in persuading Congress to declare independence . He assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 , and was its foremost advocate in the Congress . United States Declaration of Independence . John Adams was a leader in pushing for independence , which was passed on July 2 with no opposing vote cast .