Magna Carta Document Analysis

The authority of a monarchical power is not usually associated with limitations, but following the Norman conquest, the English kings faced a fluctuation of restrictions. While much of the threats to their sovereignty came from kingdoms from outside of their territory, perhaps the greater checks came from their own subjects. This did not mean that the rulers of England found themselves without any power to wield, but rather that they found themselves in a constant negotiation as to what their position actually allowed them to do. This back and forth was mainly with the nobility within England, and put into question the sovereign's authority to, dictate governmental enactments, to control the country's military, and to levy funds from the population. Under the rule of King John, the revolts of many within the English barron class led to the king to sign the Magna Carta in 1215. While much of the document actually relates to very, specific, and arguably narrow, items, the power in the document became one of symbolic status from the start. This became representative of the increased power within the noble class, and the ability to get the King to agree to limitations of his power. Specifically, the document placed restrictions on the feudal authority of King John. In examining the document in retrospect, many
This would become one of the hallmarks of the crown, appeasement of the Barron class, followed by unwinding the promised made. The council would frequently be ignored, or dismissed by subsequent royals. The political power of the Magna Carta would ebb and flow, generally dependent on how much assistance the current King needed from the Barons themselves. Many times if the support of the Barron class was needed, the King would reissue the charter. This did not mean that each subsequent ruler would continue to slowly unwind the promises to the Barons at every possible