The impact of magna charta

The Impact of the Magna Carta

Have you ever wondered where our past leaders got the idea for the

American Constitution? The rights of freedom, equality, and justice for all, which

are held sacred, were not always guaranteed for all citizens. Many were

deprived of life, liberty, and the right to own property. Others were denied public

trials and the lower class were looked upon as inferior. The Magna Carta also

known as the "Great Charter," was signed by King John of England in 1215. It

was the document that changed the lives of millions of people around the world.

It caused long-range, long lasting, and long-term effects on society. The Magna

Carta guaranteed nobles certain rights, limited the kings power, and provided a

cornerstone for further documents that support human rights and freedom for all.

King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. It was revised in 1216 and

then later in 1217.

English: John of England signs Magna Carta. Image ...

Detail of the Magna Carta monument at Runnymede. I...

English: Magna Carta Monument, Runnymede. This is ...

The last version, written in 1225, became law and was

confirmed in Parliament. It stated the customary enactment and was enforced in

the courts of law. It also confirmed existing privileges and liberties (Holt 1). The

Magna Carta established the idea that nobles had certain rights and that the

king had to respect the law. It consisted of over 60 clauses. Many of them

declared human rights and over 30 were about the relations of the king and his

subjects. The document guaranteed the liberties of small and large property-

owners. It also broke the feudal compact and gave nobles the right to public

trials (Bryant 275). The charter declared that the English church should be set

free and that no free man should be outlawed, imprisoned, or exiled without a

lawful judgment by his peers or by the law (Holt 2). The Magna...