What document was signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English King?

Study for the GED Social Studies Test. Practice with quizzes and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

The document that was signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English King is the Magna Carta. This historic agreement emerged from a conflict between King John of England and a group of rebellious barons who were unhappy with the king's arbitrary rule and heavy taxation. The Magna Carta is often regarded as a foundational text for modern democracy as it established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced ideas such as the right to a fair trial, protection from unlawful imprisonment, and that certain legal rights could not be taken away without due process. This set the stage for the development of constitutional law and inspired later political documents, including the English Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution, but it is the Magna Carta that directly addressed royal authority and its limitations in medieval England.

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