What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• Easy answer to learndeclared our independence optional: (from Great Britain)
• announced our independence optional: (from Great Britain)
• said that the United States is free optional: (from Great Britain)

Our explanation

“Declaration” means statement. “Independence” means freedom. On July 4, 1776, this statement announced that the United States was free from Great Britain. That is why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4.

Remember it

Its name tells you: the Declaration of Independence declared our independence.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 49: “The Declaration of Independence announced our independence from Great Britain. This is why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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