HISET Social Studies Practice

What was one of the main outcomes of the Magna Carta?

1. The establishment of the British Parliament

2. The assertion that the king is above the law

3. The right to a fair trial for all citizens

4. The independence of the British colonies

The correct answer is: The right to a fair trial for all citizens

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is often heralded as a pivotal document in the development of constitutional law and individual rights. One of its most significant outcomes was the establishment of the principle that individuals have the right to a fair trial. This was a groundbreaking concept at the time, as it placed limits on the arbitrary power of the monarchy and established that the king was not above the law. The Magna Carta introduced the idea that legal proceedings must adhere to certain standards of justice and that individuals should not be imprisoned without due process. This notion would later influence many legal systems around the world, reinforcing the importance of fair trials as a fundamental right for citizens. While other options touch on important historical themes, they do not encapsulate the primary outcome of the Magna Carta as effectively. For instance, the establishment of the British Parliament came later and was not directly a product of the Magna Carta. The assertion that the king is above the law contradicts the very essence of the document. Furthermore, the independence of the British colonies arose from a different set of historical circumstances unrelated to the Magna Carta.