What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to formally announce the colonies' separation from Great Britain. This document, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the reasons for this break, outlining grievances against King George III and asserting the colonies' right to self-governance. It emphasized that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed and established the foundational principle that individuals have certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The other choices focus on later developments in U.S. governance. The U.S. Constitution, which established the framework for the federal government, was created after the Declaration of Independence, as were the Bill of Rights and the formation of the Supreme Court. These elements are crucial to America's legal and political system but serve different purposes than the declaration itself.