Which document declared independence from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the foundational document that formally announced the American colonies' separation from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and proclaimed their intention to be free and independent states. This document is significant because it not only asserts the colonies' desire for sovereignty but also outlines the Enlightenment ideals of individual rights and government by consent, which would influence future democratic governance.

In contrast, the Constitution serves as the framework for the governance of the United States, the Bill of Rights enumerates specific protections for individual liberties, and the Federalist Papers are a series of writings that advocate for the ratification of the Constitution. While all these documents play crucial roles in American history, none serve the primary function of declaring independence, as the Declaration of Independence does.