What is the significance of the Magna Carta?

The significance of the Magna Carta lies in its role in limiting the powers of the king and establishing certain legal rights for individuals. Signed in 1215, this historic document was primarily a response to the heavy-handed rule of King John of England. It introduced the idea that everyone, including the monarch, is subject to the law, thereby laying the groundwork for modern democracy and the concept of individual rights.

The Magna Carta contained clauses that protected various rights, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from unlawful imprisonment. This focus on legal rights and limitations on authority inspired later constitutional developments, influencing documents like the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Thus, it is recognized as a foundational text in the evolution of democratic governance and the rule of law.