The phrase "are and of right ought to be..." was not in Jefferson's "rough" draft but was added by the Congress. To find the person (or persons) who recommended that phrase, you will need to do some research. Of the many books that examine the wording and the drafts of the Declaration of Independence and that might have a note about the author(s) of those words, three are easily available:
--Pauline Maier, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence
--Gary Wills, Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence
--Carl Becker, Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas
Unfortunately, Jefferson's extensive notes about the history and the development of the Declaration do not mention the phrase or its origin.
Here is another clue that might help you in your search. On March 18, 1766, the British Parliament issued the "Declaratory Act" ("An act for the better securing the dependency of his majesty's dominions in America upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain"), in which it was declared that "the said colonies and plantations in America have been, are, and of right ought to be, subordinate unto, and dependent upon the imperial crown and parliament of Great Britain; and that the King's majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, (has), bath, and of right ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America, subjects of the crown of Great Britain, in all cases whatsoever...." [emphasis added]
Thus, England's own words and justification for keeping the colonies subordinate to her power and authority were turned against her when the colonies announced that "these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States...." Whether that happened by design or by coincidence, you may be able to discern after you have researched the issue.
That's nice and all but...
Richard Henry Lee originally said that.
The first known use of the formal term "United States of America" was in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Paine, in February, 1776, had written of "Free and independent States of America." The terms "United Colonies," "United Colonies of America," "United Colonies of North America," and also "States," were used in 1775 and 1776. The first known use of the formal term "United States of America" was in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Paine, in February, 1776, had written of "Free and independent States of America." The terms "United Colonies," "United Colonies of America," "United Colonies of North America," and also "States," were used in 1775 and 1776.
All original colonies and states existing at that time signed the Declaration
There are no laws in the Declaration of Independence. It is not a document which establishes law; it is an announcement to the world at large that the thirteen colonies, now called states, consider themselves free and independent of the rule of Great Britain.
to become free and independent states
What is the importance of the declaration?
to become free and independent states
to become free and independent states
The Declaration of Independence
to become free and independent states
13
The declaration of independence!
The American Colonies became free and independent states. -APEX
By writing and signing the Declaration of Independence, the 2nd Continental Congress declared the 13 colonies colonies no longer, but states in a country independent from England.
To inform the King of why the colonies were leaving and declared independence.
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 and sent to King George of England requesting independence of the US Colonies from England's rule. The Declaration of Independence is a document that stated the 13 Colonies in America were breaking away from the British Empire. From that point on, the Colonies were to be considered independent sovereign states. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 and sent to King George of England requesting independence of the US Colonies from England's rule. The Declaration of Independence is a document that stated the 13 Colonies in America were breaking away from the British Empire. From that point on, the Colonies were to be considered independent sovereign states. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was written to King George, and Parliament declaring the American colonies were now independent states, free of British rule.