Final answer:
The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, established due process and trial by jury, influencing constitutional democracies and the U.S. Constitution. It was an early step towards modern democracy, limiting monarchy power and contributing to the rule of law and economic growth in England.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta (Great Charter), signed by King John of England in 1215, is a significant constitutional landmark that laid the foundation for the development of constitutional law and individual rights. It established key legal principles like due process and trial by jury, asserting that a free man could not be penalized unless a lawful judgment was passed by his peers. These principles were later embedded into many constitutional democracies, including the United States, influencing the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and establishing the norm that no individual should be deprived of liberty without a fair trial.
By limiting the powers of the monarchy and setting the stage for a rule of law, the Magna Carta contributed to the social order which in turn may have positively influenced England's economical growth, as seen in its GDP per capita in 1348. The charter's legacy continues to be significant in understanding the evolution and protection of human liberties and the checks on governmental power. It can be seen as an early step towards modern democracy and the later development of civil rights.