What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document that explicitly declared the American colonies as free and independent from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, this seminal document outlined the colonies' grievances against King George III and articulated the philosophical justification for separation. It is famously known for stating that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration served as a formal announcement of separation, solidifying the colonies' intent to establish themselves as a sovereign nation, free from British authority.

The other documents listed do not serve this purpose. The Constitution established the framework of the United States government, the Federalist Papers were a collection of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution, and the Articles of Confederation were America's first governing document, which came after independence was declared and aimed to provide a loose confederation of states rather than discuss separation from Britain. Each of these works is significant in its own right, but none functioned as a declaration of independence.