What document declared the independence of the U.S. from Britain?

The document that declared the independence of the United States from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. Adopted on July 4, 1776, this pivotal text was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and outlined the reasons the American colonies sought to break free from British rule. It eloquently stated the principles of individual liberty and government by consent, asserting that all men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The significance of the Declaration of Independence lies not only in its immediate political implications but also in its enduring influence on democratic ideals around the world. It served as a formal assertion of the colonies' intention to become a sovereign nation and is celebrated as a foundational document in American history.

In contrast, the Constitution serves as the framework for the government established after independence, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to that Constitution outlining individual rights, and the Federalist Papers consist of a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. These documents play vital roles in American governance and civil liberties but do not specifically address the formal declaration of independence from Britain.