The key points of Magna Carta and the importance of the Great Charter in England

Magna Carta, or the Great Charter, is the most important constitutional document in the history of England. It was drawn up by the barons who forced King John to sign the document in 1215 AD. It had sixty-three clauses from which we can infer the nature and extent of King John's misdeeds. Magna Carta was a remedial document to the nation against the oppressive nature of John. The main purpose of the Great Charter was to establish equal rights and privileges for society. The Great Charter declared that the king could not rule as he pleased and had to abide by the law. It had established crucial clauses, such as the prohibition against selling, denying, or delaying justice to anyone, and the prohibition against any freeman being imprisoned or punished without the proper judgment of his peers or the law. Personal liberties had been protected and guaranteed. Additionally, the church's autonomy to set up elections for bishoprics had been guaranteed. The tax demands made by King John were excessive. Magna Carta established regulations for the collection of taxes. It was mentioned that taxes should only be paid on royal occasions and that feudal dues should be set at a specific rate with the approval of the Common Council of the realm. In the future, this clause was interpreted as establishing the fundamental rule that the king cannot impose any taxes without the approval of parliament. Magna Carta also granted barons' tenants the same rights and privileges that they had obtained from the king. The Great Charter contained clauses pertaining to trade freedom, town and London liberties, and other issues. Although the Great Charter placed considerable restrictions on royal power, English rulers frequently attempted to disregard it.

Magna Carta's Significance: Magna Carta is regarded as the most significant constitutional document in England's history. It was called the "Bible of English constitution" by Chatham and the "keystone of English liberties" by Hallam. All Englishmen valued it greatly since it had protected their individual freedom. This important treaty, which was made between the king and his subjects, acknowledged for the first time the rights and privileges of all classes and orders. The Great Charter required that the English people be subject to established laws rather than the capricious whims of the royal family. People were liberated from King John's oppression. It had granted barons the authority to declare war on the king in the event that he disregarded the declarations. Effective restraints on the despotic king's arbitrary power were established by Magna Carta. It had started the process through which the people eventually gained the king's authority. It was Magna Carta that had become the foundation of English liberty. That is why Magna Carta is important in English history.