What did the Declaration of Independence accomplish?

The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American history that formally announced the colonies' separation from Great Britain. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and conveyed their desire to be self-governing and free from British rule. By declaring independence, the document set the stage for the formation of a new nation based on principles such as liberty, equality, and the rights of individuals.

The significance of this announcement resonates through history as it represented a bold assertion of sovereignty and the adoption of democratic ideals. It laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of the United States as an independent nation and influenced future democratic movements worldwide.

While the other options each refer to important historical concepts and documents, they do not relate directly to the central accomplishment of the Declaration of Independence. The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms, which came later. Similarly, the structure of government and the federal system were established in the Constitution, adopted in 1787, long after the Declaration had already proclaimed independence.