The historical document that established the principles of limited government and rule of law in England is the Magna Carta, signed in 1215. This document, forced upon King John by a group of rebellious barons, limited the monarch's powers and asserted that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It is often regarded as a cornerstone of modern democracy and legal rights, influencing constitutional developments in England and beyond. The Magna Carta laid the groundwork for the establishment of parliamentary systems and the protection of individual liberties.