Lesson 1 -- Magna Carta

By Suzanne Kupelian, P.E.

January 1, 0001

Questions:

When was it written? June 15, 1215 - 1225
What was it? First written constitution in British history – barons challenged king, drafted by Archbishop of Canterbury. Declared Sovereign to be subject to the rule of law.
“Among the Magna Carta’s provisions were clauses providing for a free church, reforming law and justice, and controlling the behavior of royal officials. One of the charter’s 63 clauses tasked the barons with choosing 25 representatives to serve as a “form of security” ensuring the preservation of the rights and liberties that had been enumerated. Above all, the Magna Carta guaranteed that government, royal or otherwise, would be limited by the written law of the land.” ©2021 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Magna-Carta
How did it come about? In the 13th century, the British government was setup as a traditional feudal kingdom, with a King, Barons, and various other nobles. The nobles were responsible for producing taxes for the King, and in the 13th century, King John I raised the taxes to (at the time) ridiculous levels. In the end, this caused a revolt, and in order to avoid losing the kingdom, King John I was forced to sign the Magna Carta, which limited the power of the monarch.
What is important about it? First written statement of rights and laws.
What are its shortcomings? Magna Carta did not apply for ordinary peasants, it only applied for freeman like barons, merchants and knights.