Which document, forced on King John, aimed to outline the rights of barons and limit the Crown's power?

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Prepare for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History Exam 2. Master key historic concepts with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get exam-ready!

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a pivotal document in the history of English constitutional law. It emerged from the discontent of the barons with King John's arbitrary rule and heavy taxation. This document primarily aimed to protect the rights of the barons and impose legal limits on the king's powers, thereby establishing that no one, not even the king, was above the law.

The Magna Carta introduced key principles such as due process and the idea that taxation should be agreed upon by the governed. It set the stage for later constitutional developments by inspiring future documents that would expand individual rights and limit governmental authority. The significance of the Magna Carta lies in its role as a catalyst for the evolution of constitutional governance, making it a foundational text in the fight for rights and liberties in England and influencing democratic principles worldwide.