What is the significance of the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is historically significant because it established the principle that no one, including the king, is above the law. This foundational concept asserts that all individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to legal statutes and limitations. This idea of lawful governance laid the groundwork for modern legal systems and is considered a cornerstone in the development of constitutional law.

The Magna Carta also introduced the concept of due process and the protection of certain rights against arbitrary authority, which further cemented its role in shaping democratic ideals. By placing constraints on the power of the monarchy, it paved the way for the emergence of parliamentary systems and individual liberties that are integral to contemporary democracies.