Which document declares the independence of the United States?

The document that declares the independence of the United States is the Declaration of Independence. Adopted on July 4, 1776, this pivotal text was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and articulated the American colonies' rationale for seeking independence from British rule. It outlines the philosophical principles underpinning the right to revolution, emphasizing concepts such as individual rights, government by consent, and the idea that it is the duty of the people to overthrow a government that no longer serves their interests.

In contrast, the Constitution serves as the framework of the U.S. government, establishing the structure, functions, and powers of government institutions. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing specific rights and liberties to individuals, while the Articles of Confederation were an early attempt to create a national government but ultimately lacked the authority needed to be effective and were replaced by the Constitution. Each of these documents holds significance in American history, but it is the Declaration of Independence that specifically announces the colonies' intention to break away from Britain and asserts their status as a free and independent nation.