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

What does this answer mean?

The Declaration of Independence said the American colonies were free from Britain. It declared the colonies free and independent states, released from any loyalty to the British Crown.

The break happened in two steps. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for a resolution declaring independence, which Richard Henry Lee of Virginia had introduced on June 7. Twelve of the 13 colonies voted yes, and New York didn't vote. Two days later, on July 4, Congress adopted the Declaration itself, the document that explained the decision to the world. That's why July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day.

Declaring independence didn't end the conflict. The colonies were already at war with Britain, and the American Revolution went on for years afterward.

Don't confuse this answer with the Constitution. The Declaration, from 1776, announced independence. The Constitution, from 1787, set up the government the country uses today. Both are founding documents, and both appear in other questions on the test.