The Magna Carta established the foundational principle of the rule of law, asserting that no one, including the king, is above the law. Signed in 1215 by King John of England, it aimed to limit the arbitrary power of the monarchy and ensure certain legal rights for the nobility, and later extended to common citizens. This document laid the groundwork for constitutional governance, emphasizing the importance of due process and justice. The Magna Carta has had a long-lasting influence on the development of legal systems and democratic principles around the world.