- was adopted on July 4, 1776
- expressed the idea that all men are created equal and are born with certain rights that no government can take from them
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It expressed the idea that all men are born with the inherent rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As well, it did sever ties with England and it didn't list the grievances that occurred, so those are not the choices.