What action did the Declaration of Independence take?

The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American history, primarily recognized for its role in formally announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. By declaring independence, it articulated the colonies' intention and justification for breaking away from Great Britain, asserting their right to self-govern. The document, adopted on July 4, 1776, outlined grievances against King George III and emphasized the principles of individual rights and the belief that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This act marked the birth of the United States as an independent nation, making the declaration itself a monumental event with lasting significance.

The other choices do not pertain to the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution was established later, in 1787, to provide the framework for the governmental structure of the new nation. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added even later to protect individual freedoms and rights. Additionally, the establishment of laws for Congress is not the function of the Declaration—such laws were developed under the framework created by the Constitution. Thus, the action taken by the Declaration of Independence was to declare the colonies free and independent from British authority.