The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, was a document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English king, King John. It established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. This was a significant step towards the development of constitutional law and individual rights. The Magna Carta included various clauses that protected the rights of nobles and established certain legal procedures. Over time, it became a symbol of liberty and justice, influencing many democratic documents, including the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.