The barons wrote the Magna Carta primarily because they were frustrated and angry with King John's tyrannical rule, especially his heavy taxation and arbitrary use of power. King John had lost significant territories in France and needed to raise funds through harsh taxes, which made him deeply unpopular among the English barons who were responsible for governing and maintaining order in their own lands. His oppressive demands and military failures led the barons to rebel, capturing London and forcing the king to negotiate
. The Magna Carta, sealed by King John in June 1215 at Runnymede, was a peace agreement intended to limit the king’s power and protect the barons' rights. It guaranteed protection of church rights, protection from illegal imprisonment, access to swift and impartial justice, and crucially, imposed limits on royal taxation and feudal payments without baronial consent. It also established a council of 25 barons empowered to enforce the charter and even seize the king’s castles and lands if he violated its terms
. The effect of the Magna Carta on the king’s power was significant because it was the first formal document to assert that the king was not above the law. It curtailed the absolute authority of the monarchy by legally binding the king to respect certain rights and customs, and it introduced the idea that the king’s power could be challenged collectively by his subjects. Although initially it led to further conflict and was annulled by the Pope, its principles laid the foundation for constitutional law and the development of limited monarchy in England. Over time, it influenced many other legal systems, including the U.S. Constitution
. In summary:
- The barons wrote the Magna Carta to curb King John’s abusive power, excessive taxation, and to protect their own feudal rights.
- It limited the king’s authority by guaranteeing legal protections, restricting taxation without consent, and allowing barons to enforce compliance.
- It marked a historic shift toward the rule of law and the principle that even the king must abide by established laws
