The historic document aimed at limiting the powers of the English crown is the Magna Carta, signed in 1215. This charter was created in response to King John of England's heavy taxation and arbitrary rule. The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It laid the groundwork for the development of constitutional law and individual rights, influencing many legal systems worldwide. Its principles of due process and the rule of law have resonated through centuries, serving as a foundational document for democracy and civil liberties in various nations.