Study for the HISET Social Studies Test. Access practice exams and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Prepare effectively and succeed in your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


In which year was the Magna Carta signed?

  1. 1215

  2. 1600

  3. 1776

  4. 1492

The correct answer is: 1215

The Magna Carta was signed in 1215, marking a pivotal moment in history as it established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. This document was created in response to the arbitrary rule of King John of England and sought to protect the rights of his barons. It laid the groundwork for modern concepts of democracy and individual rights, influencing many legal systems worldwide, including the United States Constitution. The other dates mentioned relate to significant events in history, but they do not pertain to the Magna Carta. For instance, 1600 is associated with the early developments of modern economic theory and the establishment of the British East India Company. The year 1776 is famously linked to the Declaration of Independence in the United States, symbolizing a break from British rule. Lastly, 1492 marks Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, a key event in the Age of Exploration. Each of these events is important in its own right but does not relate to the signing of the Magna Carta.