MAGNA CARTA
Consider Magna Carta as reflecting a list of grievances. What had been some of the complaints about King John? What kinds of issues do they concern? Justice? Land tenure? Taxes? Judging from Magna Carta, what tensions did the rise of central administration and government produce?
Why might some argue that Magna Carter is a “feudal document”? Does it concern issues arising from land tenure?
Who forced the king to issue it? Who is to represent the kingdom in dealing with the king?
Magna Carta has often been seen as laying down fundamental constitutional principles. Is this conclusion correct? Why might some draw it? Was this a contemporary perception?
Can you use Magna Carta to illuminate the origin of constitutional (i.e., limited) government?