Rights, privileges and franchise secured; power of legislature to dispense with primary elections in certain cases. The original grants are in the New York state Library.The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. The Declaration of Independence and the. Constitution of the United States are the two most important, and enduring documents in our Nation's history. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. It is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom. This, to you, is what the Passover was to the emancipated people of God. This was a special celebration around the US because it was the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.