WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Magna Carta was issued in June 1215 and was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law. It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.

Detailed explanation-2: -It defined the limits of royal power over the people according to established feudal principles. It obliged the monarch to consult the barons in a Great Council before levying taxes. It guaranteed all freemen (but not serfs) protection from royal officers.

Detailed explanation-3: -While John did satisfy some of the barons’ personal grievances, he secretly wrote the Pope asking him to cancel Magna Carta on the grounds that he signed it against his will. At the same time he continued to build up his mercenary army.

Detailed explanation-4: -The continuing importance of Magna Carta as a source of liberty is well established. One of the key provisions in the 1215 Charter was that imprisonment should not occur without due legal process. This also established the idea of trial by jury.

Detailed explanation-5: -For the king’s subjects, Magna Carta provided a touchstone of good government. By itself, however, the Charter did not bring about the growth of limited monarchy. The English monarchy was powerful, assertive and ambitious.

Detailed explanation-6: -When John agreed to put his seal to the Magna Carta, he made the crown absolute and placed all future monarchs above the law. The Petition of Rights is the most famous constitutional document in the English-speaking world.