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

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally proclaimed the separation of the American colonies from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and justified their decision to seek independence. The document highlights the Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and government by consent, asserting that people have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. By declaring independence, it established the United States as a sovereign nation, setting the stage for the development of the new government and the founding documents that followed.

The other documents mentioned serve different purposes: The Constitution serves as the foundational legal document governing the United States, outlining the structure of government and the rights of citizens. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties. The Articles of Confederation were the initial governing document of the United States but were ultimately replaced due to their weaknesses in creating a strong federal government.