The signing of the Magna Carta took place in the year 1215. This historic document was a result of conflict between King John of England and a group of rebellious barons. The Magna Carta established principles that limited the powers of the king and laid the groundwork for the development of constitutional governance. It included protections for the barons and outlined specific legal rights, emphasizing that the monarch was subject to the law. The Magna Carta is often considered a foundational document in the evolution of democracy and the legal system in England and beyond.