What document formally declared American independence from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally declared American independence from Britain. Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence and asserted the fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The declaration emphasized the colonies' grievances against King George III, making a case for their right to break away from British rule and establish themselves as a separate nation.

Other documents play crucial roles in American history but do not serve the same purpose as the Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Constitution established the framework of the government and is a foundational legal document but does not declare independence. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, focusing on the structure of government and the principles of governance. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties but not addressing the issue of independence from Britain.