On June 15, 1215, King John of England placed his royal seal on the Magna Carta at Runnymede, near Windsor. This document, forced upon him by his rebellious barons, limited the power of the monarchy, establishing the principle that the king was not above the law. The Magna Carta is often regarded as a fundamental step towards constitutional governance, influencing the development of common law and civil liberties not only in Britain but also in other parts of the world, including the United States.
