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 laid the groundwork for modern democracy. It established the principle that everyone, including the king, must follow the law, which highlighted the tension between absolute power and individual rights. These ideas are still important today as they influence systems of government that emphasize checks and balances and the rule of law. In our daily lives, these principles mean that even leaders must follow the laws, which helps protect individual freedoms and ensures fair treatment. For example, when people vote or challenge unfair rules in court, they are exercising rights that trace back to the Magna Carta.
