Which document declares the independence of the United States?

The Declaration of Independence is the foundational document that proclaims the independence of the United States from British rule. Drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, it articulates the colonies' grievances against King George III and expresses the fundamental principles of individual liberty and the right to self-governance.

This document asserts that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. By formally renouncing allegiance to the British Crown, the Declaration served as a crucial statement of the colonies' intent to operate as a separate, sovereign nation, laying the groundwork for the formation of a democratic government.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which primarily enumerate specific rights and protections for individuals. The Constitution itself outlines the structure and functions of the federal government but does not declare independence. The Federalist Papers, a collection of articles advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, discuss governmental principles but are unrelated to independence as a concept.