What document declares the independence of the United States?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally proclaimed the United States' separation from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and expressed the philosophy of natural rights, arguing that individuals have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document is significant not only for its role in American history but also for its influence on subsequent democratic movements around the world.

In contrast, the Constitution serves as the framework for the United States government, the Bill of Rights outlines individual liberties and limits on governmental power, and the Articles of Confederation provided an early, but ultimately ineffective, form of government before the Constitution was established.