The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a pivotal document limiting the powers of the king and establishing the principle of rule of law. It introduced ideas such as due process and the rights of individuals, laying the groundwork for modern democracy. This historical charter influenced many constitutional documents around the world, asserting that the monarch was not above the law and setting a precedent for the establishment of parliamentary democracy. Its legacy continues to be felt, serving as a symbol of liberty and the fight against arbitrary authority.