World History Magna Carta

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Balance of Power

Even though the king is the nation's leader and authority, his vassals have both the right and the responsibility to check or limit his power.

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Rule of Law

Laws exist, and all citizens must obey them. The king is not above the law. If the king breaks the law, his vassals can remove him from the throne.

When did the barons of Medieval England King John?

On June 15, 1215, the barons of Medieval England confronted King John at Runnymede, and forced the king to put his seal on the Magna Carta. King John had been an unpopular king who abused his power, oppressed his subjects, and angered the barons by increasing taxes and demanding many soldiers for his military campaigns abroad.

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Due Process of Law

Someone who is accused of a crime cannot simply

What is the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta is an important historical document that took some power away from the king and gave some rights and freedoms to the people. Magna Carta means "Great Charter" in Latin.

What was the Magna Carta a source of?

The Magna Carta was the source of many of the important ideas contained in founding documents of the United States, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Who wrote the Magna Carta?

The barons wrote the Magna Carta, which contained 63 clauses promising all freemen access to courts and a fair trial, eliminating unfair fines and punishments, giving power to the Catholic Church in England, and addressing many lesser issues. Although King John violated many of the clauses in the Magna Carta, later kings of England were eventually forced to comply with its terms.

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Power of the Purse

The king cannot levy any extra taxes "without the common consent of the realm." Without new taxes, the king cannot increase his army and overturn the balance of power by attacking his vassals.

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Limited Government

There are limits to the powers of both the king and his barons. This idea relates to the balance of power.

Idea taken from the Magna Carta: Security of Private Property

Things that do not belong to the king cannot be taken from their owner without their consent. This agreement not only preserves the right of subjects to own property but also stops the king from becoming richer or more powerful by taking property from his subjects.