The Founding Fathers of the United States were a group of leaders who played pivotal roles in the American Revolution and the establishment of the nation. Notable figures include George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. They contributed to the drafting of key documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, shaping the principles of democracy and governance. Their vision emphasized individual liberties, checks and balances, and the separation of powers, laying the foundation for the political framework of the United States.