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Question 9 of 128 American Government

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

Answers USCIS accepts

  • Declaration of Independence

Give any one of these answers at your interview.

The Declaration of Independence said the American colonies were free from Britain.

What it means

The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, told the world that the colonies were now independent states.

Thomas Jefferson was its main writer. July 4 is celebrated every year as Independence Day.

Be careful not to mix this up with the Constitution: the Declaration announced independence (1776); the Constitution created the government (1787).

Declaration of Independence painting by John Trumbull showing the Committee of Five presenting the draft to Congress in 1776
Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Trumbull. U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Memory tip: "Declare" independence = the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.

Quiz yourself

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

Multiple choice is for study only. The real civics test is spoken: the officer asks, you answer out loud.

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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: .