Which document declared American independence from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the foundational document that officially proclaimed the American colonies' separation from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, this important text articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and outlined the philosophical justification for independence, asserting that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration served not only as a statement of independence but also as an expression of Enlightenment principles, influencing both American identity and democratic movements worldwide.

The Constitution, while crucial to the establishment of the U.S. government, was created later to provide a framework for governance and did not focus on independence. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States, outlining the functions of the national government but also came into play after independence had already been declared. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, not to declare independence. Each of these documents plays an important role in American history, but none fulfill the specific function of declaring independence like the Declaration of Independence does.