Which document formally declared our independence from Great Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the correct answer because it served as a formal statement announcing the American colonies' separation from British rule. Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, this document articulated the colonies' intention to be free and independent states. It outlined the philosophical reasons for this separation, emphasizing concepts of individual rights and government by consent.

The Constitution, while a foundational document for the U.S. government, was created later in 1787 to establish the structure of the government and does not address the issue of independence. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and guarantees certain individual liberties but does not declare independence. The Articles of Confederation, which came into effect after independence was declared, established a framework for the government but also did not serve as a declaration of independence. Thus, the Declaration of Independence is distinctly recognized as the document that formally proclaimed the break from Great Britain.