Magna Carta
A charter of rights agreed to by King John of England
Real World Example
The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was crucial because it limited the power of the king and established that everyone, including the ruler, was subject to the law. This idea influenced the formation of the U.S. government in the 1780s, emphasizing the need for checks and balances and protecting citizens' rights. The tensions between absolute power and individual rights highlighted by the Magna Carta still matter as they remind us of the importance of accountability and justice. Today, these ideas impact daily life by ensuring that governments cannot act without considering citizens' rights, like freedom of speech or fair trials. For example, when people vote or protest, they exercise rights that can be traced back to principles established by the Magna Carta.
