Which document declared America's independence from Britain?

The document that declared America's independence from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal text was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it articulated the colonies' reasons for breaking away from British rule. The Declaration asserted the colonies' right to self-governance and highlighted the principles of individual liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which have become fundamental to American identity.

The Declaration served not only as a formal announcement of independence but also as a powerful statement of democratic ideals and the philosophical foundations of the new nation. Its primary author, Thomas Jefferson, eloquently expressed the grievances against King George III, thereby justifying the colonies' decision to sever political ties with Britain. This foundational moment marked the beginning of the United States as an independent entity.

In contrast, other documents listed—such as the Constitution, which established the framework of government; the Articles of Confederation, which was the first attempt at a national government framework; and the Bill of Rights, which enumerates individual rights—served different purposes and came about after the Declaration of Independence was already established. Each of those documents played significant roles in the development of the United States but did not serve to declare independence from Britain.