Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence initiated the creation of separate state governments, which led to the Articles of Confederation, emphasizing a loose union with a weak central government. This proved ineffective, prompting the creation of the stronger Constitution, and was quickly followed by the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of the United States' foundational legal documents provides a clear progression from autonomy to a unified nation. Declaration of Independence was a bold statement that severed political ties with Great Britain, allowing the former colonies to begin forming their own governments. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were established as the first constitution of the newly independent states, promoting a 'firm league of friendship' between them, but it did not provide for a strong central government. This lack of central power led to the drafting of the Constitution, which created a federal government with more authority, including the ability to tax and raise armies. Lastly, to ensure the protection of individual liberties, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution as its first ten amendments, reflecting the importance that early Americans placed on the protection of rights akin to those defined in their state constitutions.