Theme A: Magna Carta And Developing Rights

Question 1

What is the Magna Carta?

Answer 1

The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, is a document containing 63 agreements that limited the absolute power of the monarch and was granted to the English people in 1215.

Question 2

Why is the Magna Carta significant?

Answer 2

It is seen as the first step towards the democratic state and the origins of justice in our legal system.

Question 3

What were the three key reasons for the Magna Carta’s creation?

Answer 3

1. King John’s tyrannical leadership and unfair taxation.
2. Interference with the church and rejection of Stephen Langton as Archbishop.
3. The barons switching allegiance to Robert Fitzwalter after failing to meet with King John.

Question 4

What event led to King John meeting with the barons?

Answer 4

The barons captured the City of London, leaving King John with no alternative but to meet and resolve issues at Runnymede in June 1215.

Question 5

What key principles of the Magna Carta informed the development of rights today?

Answer 5

The key principles of the Magna Carta informed the development of rights today, including the rights of individuals and limits on the powers of the monarchy.

Question 6

What is one principle regarding the Church in the Magna Carta?

Answer 6

The Church could appoint its own bishops and archbishops free from interference from the King.

Question 7

What principle relates to taxation in the Magna Carta?

Answer 7

The King could not demand taxes without agreement from barons and bishops, and all regions had to pay the same tax.

Question 8

What does the Magna Carta say about trials?

Answer 8

Barons could not be put on trial in secret; they must be tried by their peers, and free men could not be arrested or imprisoned without a fair trial.

Question 9

What principle ensures access to justice in the Magna Carta?

Answer 9

All individuals should have access to justice and a fair trial by their peers.

Question 10

What does the Magna Carta state about the law?

Answer 10

Everybody was subject to the law, including the King.

Question 11

What principle does the Magna Carta establish regarding the rule of law?

Answer 11

The rule of law states that everyone is subject to the law and no one is above the law.

Question 12

What are two links the Magna Carta has with the UK’s current legal system?

Answer 12

1. The principle of a fair trial by peers. 2. The requirement for consent in taxation.

Question 13

What informed the development of rights today?

Answer 13

The key principles of the Magna Carta informed the development of rights today.

Question 14

What are some key documents influenced by the Magna Carta?

Answer 14

The United States Bill of Rights (1791), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the European Convention on Human Rights (1953).

Question 15

What principle allowed the Church to appoint its own bishops?

Answer 15

The Church could appoint its own bishops free from interference from the monarchy.

Question 16

What principle acknowledges individual rights?

Answer 16

To acknowledge the rights of individuals and to limit the authoritarian powers of the King.

Question 17

What taxation principle was established by the Magna Carta?

Answer 17

The King could not demand taxes without agreement from barons and bishops, and all regions had to pay the same tax.

Question 18

What principle ensures fairness in trials?

Answer 18

That all individuals should have access to justice and a fair trial by their peers.

Question 19

What does the Magna Carta say about the King’s authority?

Answer 19

Everybody was subject to the law, including the King.

Question 20

What principle establishes the rule of law?

Answer 20

To follow the rule of law that everyone is subject to the law and no-one is above the law.

Question 21

What is the Magna Carta?

Answer 21

One of the earliest steps in protecting people from the arbitrary power of rulers, signed by King John of England.

Key ideas include: No one is above the law, right to a fair trial, and protection of private property.

Question 22

What does the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) establish?

Answer 22

Sets out basic rights and freedoms for all people, everywhere, created after World War II by the United Nations.

Examples include the right to life, liberty, and security; right to education; freedom of expression and religion.

Question 23

Is the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights legally binding?

Answer 23

No, it is not legally binding but influences laws around the world.

Question 24

What is the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)?

Answer 24

Developed by the Council of Europe, it is legally binding for member countries and protects various rights.

Rights protected include the right to life, right to a fair trial, freedom from torture, and freedom of expression.

Question 25

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)?

Answer 25

Focuses on children's rights and protects their right to education, protection from harm, being heard, and play. ## Footnote The UK has signed this convention and is expected to follow these rights in law and practice.

Question 26

What does the Human Rights Act (1998) do?

Answer 26

Brings the ECHR into UK law, allowing UK citizens to defend their rights in a UK court. ## Footnote Common rights it protects include the right to privacy, freedom of speech, and protection from discrimination.

Question 27

What is a summary of key human rights documents?

Answer 27

1. Magna Carta (1215) - First step towards justice and limiting royal power. 2. UDHR (1948) - Global list of rights for everyone. 3. ECHR (1950) - European legal rights – enforceable in court. 4. UNCRC (1989) - Focused on children's rights. 5. Human Rights Act (1998) - Makes ECHR part of UK law.