What impact did the Magna Carta have on future democratic systems?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is significant in shaping future democratic systems primarily because it established the principle of the rule of law. This concept asserts that everyone, including those in power, must adhere to the law, thereby limiting arbitrary authority. The document introduced key ideas such as the right to a fair trial, due process, and the idea that no individual is above the law, which are foundational elements in modern democratic governance.

By laying down these principles, the Magna Carta influenced the development of parliamentary systems and the notion of constitutional government. It set a precedent for later documents such as the English Bill of Rights and, ultimately, the U.S. Constitution, both of which reflect similar values concerning individual rights and checks on governmental power.

Other options either misrepresent the historical context or the document’s significance. For instance, while it was significant for the nobility, the Magna Carta did not eliminate monarchies or grant land to common citizens, which contradicts the historical details of its content and effects.