Which document announced the American colonies' desire for independence from Great Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the essential document that articulated the American colonies' intention to break away from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, this document outlines the philosophical justifications for independence, emphasizing the principles of individual rights and government by consent. It famously proclaims that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and asserts that the authority of government derives from the consent of the governed.

In contrast, the other documents listed serve different purposes. The Constitution established the framework for the government of the United States, laying out the structure and powers of the federal government. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing documents of the United States but ultimately proved ineffective due to a lack of central authority. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution and did not address independence from Britain. Thus, the Declaration of Independence stands out as the singular declaration of the colonies' desire for freedom and self-governance.