What historic document laid the foundation for modern democracy by outlining rights and limits on power?

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 Magna Carta is a landmark document that played a crucial role in laying the foundation for modern democracy. Signed in 1215, it established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. This historic agreement limited the power of the monarchy and ensured certain rights for subjects, which was a radical concept at the time.

One of the key features of the Magna Carta was its emphasis on the idea of due process, which protects individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property. This idea has been integrated into many democratic systems and legal frameworks around the world. The document set a precedent for future constitutional developments and inspired later documents that further defined individual rights and limits on governmental power, including the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

While other options like the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights also contributed significantly to democratic principles and the establishment of rights, the Magna Carta is recognized as one of the earliest examples that inspired the foundational ideas of democracy and rule of law that would resonate through centuries and influence many nations.

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