This year, Americans will choose their next president and many other lawmakers, and decide which initiatives to enshrine in local law. It's a practice made possible by rebels of the British Crown more than two centuries ago. Since then, America has evolved dramatically, and the stage is set for history to be made once more this November.

However, instead of looking ahead, we are looking back at the start of it all.

On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document declaring 13 British colonies as one United States of America.

By this charter, they formed a new country - one free from a distant king's rule. The Declaration of Independence showcased the rights and beliefs of the new country. It was a written record of what America would stand for and was signed by the nation’s founding fathers.

To honor the country’s 248th birthday, The Gaggle presents a reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

Here to read the country’s founding document are reporters and other staff members at The Arizona Republic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices