U.S. Citizenship Civics TestColonial Period and IndependenceEasy
Which of the following documents declared the American colonies independent from Great Britain?
- AThe Articles of Confederation
- BThe Federalist Papers
- CThe U.S. Constitution
- DThe Declaration of Independence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, formally announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Articles of Confederation was the first governing document of the United States, adopted after independence was declared.
- B. The Federalist Papers were essays written to advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, not to declare independence.
- C. The U.S. Constitution established the framework of the federal government, replacing the Articles of Confederation after independence.
Declaration of Independence
A foundational document of the United States, adopted on July 4, 1776, which formally declared the American colonies' separation from Great Britain and articulated the philosophical basis for their independence.
- Adopted July 4, 1776.
- Declared independence from Great Britain.
- Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson.
Memory trick: Declare, then Article, then Constitute, for a new state.