Which document declared the United States' independence from Great Britain?

The correct answer, the Declaration of Independence, is significant because it was adopted on July 4, 1776, and officially announced the American colonies' separation from British rule. This document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the philosophical and political reasons for independence, asserting that individuals have certain inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It outlined grievances against King George III, emphasizing the colonies' desire for self-governance and autonomy from British control.

The other documents, while important in U.S. history, serve different purposes. The Constitution established the framework for the United States government, providing a system of checks and balances and outlining the powers of different branches of government. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteed specific individual liberties and rights but did not pertain to the declaration of independence from Britain. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States after independence but were ultimately replaced by the Constitution due to their weaknesses. Thus, the Declaration of Independence uniquely acts as the official statement marking the transition from colonial rule to an independent nation.