Define/explain the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government. ... The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—written largely by Jefferson—in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Explanation:

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The public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, declared the Colonies to be free and independent of England. the document embodying it.

Explain:

The Declaration of Independence was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government. ... The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—written largely by Jefferson—in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence.The Declaration of Independence included these three major ideas: People have certain Inalienable Rights including Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. All Men are created equal. Individuals have a civic duty to defend these rights for themselves and others.

president thomas jefferson commissioned the expedition shortly after the louisiana purchase in 1803 to explore and to map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an american presence in this territory before britain and other european powers

a.tensions between the colonial elites and the backcountry men of virginia.