Historical Significance

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the historical significance of the Magna Carta, a pivotal document issued in England in 1215. The Magna Carta, translated as the “Great Charter,” laid the foundational premise that a king and his government were subject to the law, thereby restricting the unchecked power of monarchs for the first time in history. The worksheet emphasizes the Magna Carta’s influence on the creation of foundational U.S. documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Students are prompted with a question about why the Magna Carta holds significance in U.S. history.

The primary educational objective of this worksheet is to elucidate the enduring impact of the Magna Carta on the formation of democratic principles and governance structures in the United States. It seeks to instill in students an understanding of the historical context and the evolution of political and legal thought that shaped modern democratic systems. By highlighting the specific rights and provisions in the Magna Carta that influenced American foundational documents, the worksheet emphasizes the theme of the continuity of ideas across time and space. The concluding question encourages students to synthesize the information provided and critically assess the Magna Carta’s role in shaping U.S. history and governance.