How did the Magna Carta contribute to modern democracy?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is a foundational document in the development of modern democracy primarily because it established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. This was a significant shift away from the idea of absolute monarchy and arbitrary rule. By limiting the powers of leaders, the Magna Carta laid the groundwork for the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of contemporary democratic systems. This concept ensures that government authority is not absolute and that there is a framework in place to protect individual rights and liberties.

Subsequent legal and constitutional developments, influenced by the principles found in the Magna Carta, led to the establishment of checks and balances within government structures, reinforcing accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights. Although the document did not create a democracy as we know it today, its influence on subsequent legal thought and political systems helped shape the democratic ideals of representation, accountability, and civil liberties that are essential to modern governance.