Which document declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain?

Which document declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain?

• A. Declaration of Independence
• B. Bill of Rights
• C. Treaty of Paris
• D. Articles of Confederation

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of which document first announced that the American colonies were separating from Britain. The Declaration of Independence is the correct choice. Adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress, it publicly proclaims that the colonies are free and independent states and explains why they are breaking from Britain. It lays out the philosophy that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that people have unalienable rights, notably life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while listing grievances against King George III to justify the split. The other documents serve different roles. The Bill of Rights outlines protections for individual liberties within the new nation, not the act of declaring independence. The Articles of Confederation created the first framework for the national government after independence. The Treaty of Paris ends the war and acknowledges American independence, but it does not declare independence itself.

This question tests understanding of which document first announced that the American colonies were separating from Britain. The Declaration of Independence is the correct choice. Adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress, it publicly proclaims that the colonies are free and independent states and explains why they are breaking from Britain. It lays out the philosophy that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed and that people have unalienable rights, notably life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while listing grievances against King George III to justify the split.

The other documents serve different roles. The Bill of Rights outlines protections for individual liberties within the new nation, not the act of declaring independence. The Articles of Confederation created the first framework for the national government after independence. The Treaty of Paris ends the war and acknowledges American independence, but it does not declare independence itself.