The significance of the Magna Carta in the history of democracy lies in its role as a foundational document that limited the powers of the monarchy and established principles of individual rights and due process. Signed in 1215, it introduced ideas such as the rule of law and the right to a fair trial, which have been influential in shaping modern democratic governance. The Magna Carta is often viewed as a cornerstone of constitutional law, inspiring later documents like the U.S. Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.