Which document announced American independence from Britain?

The document that announced American independence from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal text was adopted on July 4, 1776, and it formally proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states, free from British rule. The Declaration, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulates the philosophical foundations of democracy and individual rights, emphasizing the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It was a critical statement asserting the colonies’ intention to break away from Great Britain's political authority and it set the stage for the formation of a new nation.

The other options serve different purposes in American history. The Constitution establishes the framework for the federal government and outlines the rights of citizens but does not address independence. The Articles of Confederation were created as the first governing document of the United States after independence but were not responsible for declaring it. The Federalist Papers consist of writings that support the ratification of the Constitution, describing its advantages and defending it against critiques, but they do not announce independence.