Which document declared the American colonies independent from British rule?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally declared the American colonies' independence from British rule. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and justified their decision to separate from Britain. The document asserts the unalienable rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, establishing foundational principles of democracy that are vital in the context of American history.

The Constitution, while an essential legal framework for the United States government, was created later and outlines the structure of the government rather than asserting independence. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but were focused on creating a loose confederation of states post-independence, not declaring it. Similarly, the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees individual rights and was ratified in 1791, well after the declaration of independence had already been established. Thus, the Declaration of Independence is the correct answer, as it specifically addresses the act of declaring independence from British authority.