The Magna Carta

1st Step in the Re-Emergence of

Democracy
Partner Discussion

Think back to last Friday… what was the main government system like during the
Middle Ages?

What was the term for how people believed the King got his power?
Feudalism

Feudalism: a system of laws

that governed the relationship
between lords and vassals.

Life revolves around manor

system. Each manor house
owned by a lord, with peasants
that work on it and knights that
defend it. Made everything they
needed at the manor.
Divine Right of Kings

Divine Right of Kings: The belief that kings receive their

power to rule from God and are responsible only to God.

Kings/Emperors hold absolute power over all of Europe

and Asia:

● England
● France
● Spain
● Germany
● Russia
● China

Abuse of power very very common!

Trouble Brews in England
Abuse of power has angered the nobles of
England.

Kings had been raising taxes, imprisoning men

without charging them with a crime, and
generally doing whatever they wanted for a long
time.

Additionally, King John of England has angered

the Pope and been excommunicated from the
Catholic Church. He must beg forgiveness of
the Pope to be allowed back into the church.

Nobles are ready to revolt and overthrow the

king!
Partner Discussion

How do you think the people of England should handle King John? What would
you do?

Remember that many believe that God says he should rule and that you owe him
your obedience. But at the same time...you are tired of your rights being stripped
away and your family starving or being attacked.
Robin Hood Clips
The Magna Carta

● Signed in 1215 in England by King John.

● Name means “Great Charter”.
○ Granted rights to the Barons/Lords of
England under law.
○ Declared that the King had to obey the
laws as well.
● Due process of law: fair treatment
through a judicial system
● Habeas Corpus: you can’t be imprisoned
without first being charged with a crime.
Impact of the Magna Carta

● Late 1200’s English Parliament is created.

○ King Edward II “what touches all...should
be approved by all”.
● Influenced the creation of:
○ English Bill of Rights 1689
○ American Bill of Rights 1789
○ United States Constitution
○ And many others!
Magna Carta Video