Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

What does this answer mean?

The Declaration of Independence is important because it announced that the 13 American colonies were free from British control and explained why. USCIS accepts four answers: it says America is free from British control, it says all people are created equal, it identifies inherent rights, or it identifies individual freedoms.

The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft for a committee of five members, and Congress edited it before approving it. The formal signing came later, on August 2.

Beyond the break with Britain, the Declaration stated ideas that still shape the country. It says people are born with rights that no government gives them and none can take away, which is what "inherent" means, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It says governments exist to protect those rights and get their power from the consent of the people. It also lists the colonists' complaints against the British king.

July 4 is now Independence Day, which is the subject of another question on the test.