Which document announced independence from Britain?

• A. The Articles of Confederation
• B. The Declaration of Independence
• C. The Constitution
• D. The Bill of Rights

Answer: (B)

The Declaration of Independence is the document that announced independence from Britain. Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it declared that the colonies were free and independent states and explained why they were breaking away, including a list of grievances against King George III. It also presents the idea that people have unalienable rights and that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. The other documents serve different purposes: the Articles of Confederation laid out the first framework for a union after independence, the Constitution created the later framework of U.S. government, and the Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments protecting individual liberties.