The significance of the Magna Carta in relation to modern democratic principles is profound. Signed in 1215 by King John of England, it established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. The Magna Carta introduced key concepts such as due process, the right to a fair trial, and limitations on arbitrary power. These ideas laid the groundwork for modern democracy, influencing later documents like the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It represents a fundamental shift toward individual rights and the rule of law, marking a pivotal moment in the development of constitutional governance.