What document announced America's independence from Britain?

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

Answer: (C)

The document that announced America's independence from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal text, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, formally asserted that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to British rule. It articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III, emphasizing the principles of individual rights and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This assertion of sovereignty marked a significant turning point in American history and laid the foundational ideals that would influence the formation of the United States.

In contrast, the Constitution is the framework that outlines the government of the United States and was adopted in 1787, long after independence had been declared. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but was also established after the Declaration of Independence and later replaced by the current Constitution. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee specific freedoms and protections for individuals, but it does not pertain to the declaration of independence itself.