Final Answer:
The given statement, "This body (second continental congress) decided to officially separate the Thirteen Colonies from the British Empire", is true (A) because the Second Continental Congress, convening in 1776, ultimately approved the Declaration of Independence, officially severing ties between the Thirteen Colonies and the British Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second Continental Congress, amidst escalating tensions with Britain, became a pivotal platform for discussing colonial grievances and the pursuit of independence. It convened following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. During this assembly, notable figures like Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. This historical document declared the colonies' intention to break away from British rule, asserting their inherent rights and outlining reasons for their separation.
This declaration signified a definitive step in the colonies' quest for autonomy, marking the formal beginning of the United States as an independent nation. Consequently, the Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in authorizing and ratifying this critical document, cementing the separation of the Thirteen Colonies from the British Empire.
Correct answer: true (A).