The second Continental Congress controled the colonial war effort, and moved increasing towards independence, taking in the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Second Congress also financed the war with borrowed funds and without the support of taxes; states were asked to contribute there men, supplies, and funds. The Congres lacked the power to collect taxes and they strugged to help fund the Revolutionary War. In June 1775, the Congress made the Continental army and gave command to the Army of Geroge Washingon. Benjamin Franklin was a part of the second Continental Congress and was a Founding Father. He was also a representative of the Unitd States at the signing of the Peace of Paris. Patrick Henery was also a part of the congress and introduced a pan of military preparedness in a speech that ends, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Which today is a well knwn speech. Another member was Sam Adams who was the leader of Massachusetts "radicals," who was a delegate to the COntinental Congress. John Hancock had a very important role in the Continental Congress, he was elected president of the Continental Congress.
http://www.ushistory.org/us/10e.asp
http://www.ushistory.org/us/10e.asp