What was the significance of the Magna Carta to American democracy?

The significance of the Magna Carta to American democracy lies primarily in its introduction of the principle of limited government. Signed in 1215, the Magna Carta was a landmark document that established the idea that the power of the monarchy was not absolute, and that even the king was subject to the law. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, as it laid the groundwork for later democratic principles.

The Magna Carta asserted that certain rights could not be infringed upon by the king, reflecting fundamental ideas such as due process and the rule of law. These principles influenced the development of constitutional frameworks, including those in the United States.

As a result, the Magna Carta is often viewed as a foundational document that inspired the American emphasis on individual liberties and the limited role of government, demonstrating that authority should be derived from the consent of the governed. This idea is intricately reflected in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.