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The document that provided a rationale for the Declaration of Independence is "Common Sense," authored by Thomas Paine. Published in 1776, this pamphlet argued compellingly for the colonies' independence from British rule. Paine's writing was influential in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the revolutionary cause.

In "Common Sense," Paine laid out clear and accessible arguments against monarchy and for self-governance, emphasizing the natural rights of individuals and the right of people to establish their own government. His assertion that government should derive its authority from the consent of the governed resonated with many Americans, providing them with a philosophical foundation that supported the decision to declare independence.

The other documents mentioned have different purposes and contexts. For example, the Federalist Papers were written after the Declaration to advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was created to protect individual liberties and limit government power, and thus did not address the rationale for independence. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States but were focused on the structure of government post-independence rather than the justification for it.