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Magna Carta (1215)

Study note

For most of the Middle Ages there were very few formal limits on what a king could do. That changed in 1215, in the reign of King John. His noblemen grew angry at his rule and forced him to agree to a charter of rights. This document is famous under its Latin name, Magna Carta, which means the Great Charter.

Magna Carta was a landmark in British history because of the principle it set out. It established the idea that even the king was not above the law and had to obey it like everyone else. This was a powerful and lasting notion.

The charter also did practical things. It protected the rights of the nobility and placed limits on the king's power, so that he could not simply collect taxes or change the laws as he pleased without involving his noblemen. For the test, hold on to the date 1215, the king John, the meaning Great Charter, and the principle that even the monarch is subject to the law.

Memory tip: 1215 Magna Carta: King John forced to agree; even the king is under the law.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 5

In which year did King John agree to Magna Carta?

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

    • 1485
    • 1066
    • 1215
    • 1348

    Correct answer: 1215

    King John agreed to Magna Carta in 1215.

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

    • William the Conqueror
    • Henry V
    • Edward I
    • King John

    Correct answer: King John

    King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to Magna Carta.

  3. 3. What does the name Magna Carta mean?

    • The King's Book
    • The Holy Land
    • The Roman Law
    • The Great Charter

    Correct answer: The Great Charter

    Magna Carta means the Great Charter.

  4. 4. Magna Carta established the idea that even the king was subject to the law.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Magna Carta established that even the monarch must follow the law.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Magna Carta means the King's Book
    • Magna Carta means the Great Charter

    Correct answer: Magna Carta means the Great Charter

    Magna Carta means the Great Charter.

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