The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, holds immense historical significance as it marked the first step toward constitutional governance and the rule of law. It limited the powers of the king, particularly King John of England, and asserted that no one is above the law, including the monarch. This document laid the groundwork for modern democracy by influencing constitutional developments worldwide. It inspired later documents such as the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, promoting the idea of individual liberties and rights against arbitrary authority, shaping the relationship between citizens and their governments.