History
What is The Magna Carta?
The Magna Carta was a charter signed by England's King John in 1215 that limited the king's power and established that everyone, even the ruler, is subject to the law. It's a foundational document in the history of democracy and human rights.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the magna carta.
Key things to understand
- 1It was signed by King John of England in 1215.
- 2It declared that the king was not above the law.
- 3It protected certain rights and limited royal power.
- 4It inspired later constitutions and ideas of justice.
Frequently asked questions
- What did the Magna Carta do?
- It limited the king's power and established that even the ruler must follow the law.
- Why is the Magna Carta important today?
- It planted early ideas of rule of law and rights that shaped modern constitutions and democracy.
- Who signed the Magna Carta?
- King John of England, under pressure from rebellious barons, in 1215.