What significant action did the Declaration of Independence take?

The Declaration of Independence is primarily known for declaring the American colonies' independence from Great Britain. This pivotal document, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and expressed their desire to be free and self-governing. By formally announcing their separation from British authority, the Declaration served as both a statement of values—promoting ideals such as liberty and equality—and a bold assertion of sovereignty. It marked a crucial turning point in history by laying the foundation for the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.

Other choices, while important elements of American governance and history, do not directly pertain to the main action taken by the Declaration of Independence. For example, the formation of a new constitution occurred later with the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments added to the Constitution in 1791, and the creation of the federal government was realized after the Constitution was ratified. All these events were significant in shaping the nation following the Declaration, but they are not the primary actions associated with the Declaration itself.