New Hampshire Citizenship Practice Test 2025 - Free Citizenship Test Questions and Study Guide

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally announced the American colonies' separation from Great Britain. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' right to self-governance and outlined the philosophical underpinnings of this decision, emphasizing the principles of individual rights and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.

This document was pivotal in bringing unity among the colonies and justifying their break from British rule. It established a foundational narrative for the United States, asserting that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This declaration served as both a formal statement of independence and a rallying point for the revolutionary cause, inspiring future democratic movements around the world.

The other documents listed—The Constitution, The Articles of Confederation, and The Bill of Rights—serve different purposes in the American political framework. The Constitution establishes the structure of the U.S. government, The Articles of Confederation acted as the first governing document but was later replaced because it proved inadequate, and The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties. Thus, the role and significance of The Declaration of Independence stand apart as the key