Why the Magna Carta matters

On June 15, 1215, King John of England put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, which is considered to be one of the most influential documents in history.

This “Great Charter,” signed 805 years ago, inspired the U.S. Constitution and various state constitutions, helping to secure many personal freedoms we enjoy today.

The Magna Carta protected the right of the church to be free from governmental interference, secured the rights of all free citizens to own and inherit property and protected citizens from excessive taxes.  It also stated that the king must follow the law and could not simply rule as he wished.

The king signed the document out of fear that civil unrest would cause him to be removed from his throne.

Scott Rasmussen explains the significance of the Magna Carta in his latest podcast.