Which document declared the independence of the United States from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that officially declared the independence of the United States from British rule on July 4, 1776. It was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III while proclaiming the philosophical justification for seeking independence. This document is significant in American history as it not only marked the birth of a new nation but also embodied the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and the right of the people to govern themselves.

In contrast, the Constitution serves as the foundational legal framework for the United States government, establishing the structure and powers of government rather than declaring independence. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlining specific rights and liberties of individuals, but it does not address the issue of independence from Britain. The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, focusing on the benefits of a strong centralized government rather than the declaration of independence.