Which document declared independence from British rule?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally declared the American colonies' independence from British rule. Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it asserted the colonies' position that they were no longer subject to British authority. The document articulated the philosophical foundation for this break, emphasizing the principles of individual liberty, the right to self-govern, and the assertion that all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This declaration galvanized support for independence and established the new nation's commitment to democracy and self-determination.

In contrast, the Constitution sets forth the framework for the federal government and outlines the system of laws that governs the country, while the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln during the Civil War, aimed to end slavery in Confederate states but does not pertain to the independence from British rule.