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Magna Carta (1215)

Study note

Magna Carta, which means the 'Great Charter', was agreed in 1215. King John had angered his most powerful noblemen, and they forced him to accept the charter to limit what the king could do. This is a different year from other key dates such as 1066 or 1415, so it is worth fixing 1215 firmly in your memory.

Magna Carta is important because it established the principle that even the king was subject to the law and could not simply do as he pleased. It limited the monarch's power to raise taxes and to make laws without agreement. It did not make the king all-powerful, abolish Parliament, or unite England and Scotland. Instead it is regarded as one of the earliest foundations of the rule of law and of people's rights in Britain.

Memory tip: 1215, King John signs Magna Carta, the king is no longer above the law.

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Question 1 of 5

What did Magna Carta do in 1215?

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Show all questions and answers for Magna Carta (1215)(5 questions with explanations)

Magna Carta (1215): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What did Magna Carta do in 1215?

    • It limited the power of the monarch
    • It abolished Parliament
    • It made the king all-powerful
    • It united England and Scotland

    Correct answer: It limited the power of the monarch

    Magna Carta limited the king's power and is a foundation of the rule of law.

  2. 2. Which king was forced to agree to Magna Carta?

    • Henry VII
    • Charles I
    • King John
    • King Harold

    Correct answer: King John

    King John agreed to Magna Carta in 1215.

  3. 3. In which year did King John agree to Magna Carta?

    • 1485
    • 1707
    • 1215
    • 1066

    Correct answer: 1215

    Magna Carta was agreed in 1215.

  4. 4. Magna Carta established the idea that even the king had to follow the law.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Magna Carta limited the monarch's power and is a foundation of the rule of law.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • King John was forced to agree to Magna Carta in 1415
    • King John was forced to agree to Magna Carta in 1215

    Correct answer: King John was forced to agree to Magna Carta in 1215

    King John agreed to Magna Carta in 1215.

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