What is the significance of the Magna Carta in the development of democratic governance?

The significance of the Magna Carta in the development of democratic governance lies in its establishment of the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. This foundational concept challenged the idea of absolute monarchy and introduced the notion that no one is above the law, which is a cornerstone of democratic systems. By limiting the power of the king and asserting the rights of individuals, the Magna Carta laid the groundwork for later developments in constitutional law and civil rights. It represented a shift towards the idea that government should be accountable to the governed and that citizens have certain inalienable rights, thus influencing the progression of democracy in England and beyond.