Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence signifies the colonists' intention to end political ties with Great Britain and justify their actions, ultimately declaring their independence, establishing themselves as free and independent states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Declaration of Independence is a historical document through which the colonists intended to “dissolve the political bands” that connected them with Great Britain and declare their intentions to become a separate nation. The phrase 'dissolving political bands' refers to ending the political and legal ties that bound the American colonies to the British Crown. Following the Declaration, the 'causes for separation' were outlined as a justification for the separation, ultimately leading to the decision of declaring themselves as independent states, free from British rule. Therefore, the correct answer to the question of what the colonists intend to do when they mention dissolving political bands and declaring the causes for separation is d) Declare their independence.