Questions 1. What prompted the signing of the Magna Carta? What problems did it address? 2. In what ways is the Magna Carta a feudal document reflecting medieval lord-vassal relations? 3. In what ways does the Magna Carta foreshadow modern concepts of limited government?

### 1. What prompted the signing of the Magna Carta? What problems did it address? The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was prompted by a combination of factors, primarily the discontent of the barons with King John of England. King John was perceived as a tyrannical ruler who imposed heavy taxes, engaged in unsuccessful military campaigns, and failed to uphold feudal obligations. The barons were particularly frustrated by his arbitrary justice and the abuse of power, which included the seizure of lands and the imposition of excessive fines. The Magna Carta addressed several key problems: - **Taxation without consent**: It established that the king could not levy taxes without the consent of his barons, laying the groundwork for the principle of no taxation without representation. - **Arbitrary justice**: It sought to limit the king's power over the legal system, ensuring that justice would not be sold, denied, or delayed. - **Feudal rights**: It reaffirmed the rights of the barons and the feudal system, ensuring that the king would respect their privileges and lands. - **Protection of church rights**: It included provisions to protect the rights of the Church, which was a significant institution at the time. ### 2. In what ways is the Magna Carta a feudal document reflecting medieval lord-vassal relations? The Magna Carta is fundamentally a feudal document that reflects the hierarchical structure of medieval society, particularly the relationships between lords and vassals. Here are some ways it embodies these relations: - **Baronial Rights**: The document primarily addresses the rights and privileges of the barons (lords) rather than the common people. It was created as a means for the barons to assert their rights against the king (the ultimate lord) and to protect their interests. - **Feudal Obligations**: The Magna Carta reinforces the concept of mutual obligations between lords and vassals. It emphasizes that the king must honor his commitments to his vassals, including the protection of their lands and rights. - **Land and Inheritance**: Several clauses deal with issues of land ownership, inheritance, and the rights of widows and heirs, which are central concerns in feudal society. - **Military Service**: The document includes provisions related to the obligations of vassals to provide military service to their lords, reflecting the feudal system's reliance on military loyalty and service. ### 3. In what ways does the Magna Carta foreshadow modern concepts of limited government? The Magna Carta is often seen as a foundational document in the development of modern concepts of limited government. Here are some ways it foreshadows these ideas: - **Rule of Law**: The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. This idea is central to modern democratic governance, where the law applies equally to all individuals. - **Checks on Power**: By limiting the king's authority and requiring him to consult with his barons, the Magna Carta introduced the concept of checks and balances, which is a fundamental aspect of modern government structures. - **Due Process**: The document includes provisions that guarantee certain legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment. These principles are echoed in contemporary legal systems and human rights frameworks. - **Consent of the Governed**: The Magna Carta laid the groundwork for the idea that government should operate with the consent of the governed, a principle that would later be enshrined in democratic constitutions. - **Individual Rights**: Although primarily focused on the rights of the barons, the Magna Carta's emphasis on protecting certain rights can be seen as a precursor to the modern understanding of individual rights and liberties. In summary, the Magna Carta not only addressed the immediate concerns of the barons in medieval England but also set important precedents for the development of constitutional governance and the protection of individual rights that resonate in modern political thought.