The significance of the Magna Carta in shaping governance lies in its role as a precursor to modern democracy and the rule of law. Signed in 1215, it established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. This foundational document introduced concepts such as due process and limited government, which influenced later legal and political frameworks, including the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Magna Carta’s emphasis on individual rights and checks on power continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about governance and civil liberties.