What was the significance of the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is significant because it marked a crucial turning point in the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects. By limiting the powers of the king, it ensured that no one, not even the monarch, was above the law. This concept of limited government is foundational to modern democratic principles.

Additionally, the Magna Carta established certain legal rights for subjects, including the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment. This set a precedent for future legal documents and constitutional frameworks, influencing legal systems around the world. It laid the groundwork for notions of individual rights and liberties that are central to democratic governance today.