Which 1776 document does the America250 anniversary chiefly commemorate?

America250 chiefly commemorates the United States Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776.

The document announced that the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states rather than colonies under British rule. The Second Continental Congress approved its final wording on July 4, 1776, the date used for the 250th-anniversary observance.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft, working with the Committee of Five and incorporating revisions made by Congress. The final text presented political arguments, listed grievances against King George III, and expressed ideas about natural rights and government.

A common mix-up is treating the Declaration as the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution was drafted in 1787 and established the federal governmental framework; the Declaration was the 1776 statement explaining separation from Great Britain.