The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is significant in establishing the rule of law as it laid the groundwork for constitutional governance in England. The document was a response to King John’s arbitrary rule and imposed limitations on his power, ensuring that even the monarch was subject to the law. Key principles included the right to a fair trial and protection from unlawful imprisonment. The Magna Carta influenced the development of legal systems and democratic frameworks, inspiring future documents like the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its legacy continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of justice and liberty.