What major action did the Declaration of Independence take?

The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American history, formally proclaiming the colonies' intent to separate from British rule. By declaring independence from Great Britain, the signers articulated their grievances against the King and the government, asserting their right to self-govern and pursue a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed. This action marked the beginning of the United States as a sovereign nation, setting the stage for the subsequent development of its Constitution and governance structures.

Understanding this central act is crucial, as it not only signified a break from colonial oppression, but it also laid the philosophical groundwork for the new nation's values of liberty and justice, principles that are repeatedly echoed in later American documents and government practices. The other choices pertain to different aspects of U.S. governance and law that came after the Declaration, making them significant but not central to the act of declaring independence itself.