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 monarch, was subject to the law. This was a significant step towards the development of constitutional law and individual rights. The Magna Carta contained various clauses that addressed issues like taxation, justice, and protection of church rights. It laid the groundwork for future legal documents, influencing many democratic principles and constitutions around the world, including the United States Constitution.