Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What core principle does the Magna Carta establish?

1. Consent of the governed

2. Rule of law

3. Separation of powers

4. Federalism

The correct answer is: Rule of law

The principle of rule of law is a fundamental concept established by the Magna Carta, which was signed in 1215. This document laid the groundwork for limiting the power of the monarchy and ensuring that everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law. The Magna Carta introduced the idea that no one is above the law, and that justice should be administered fairly and consistently. It set the precedent for future legal frameworks that emphasize the importance of laws that apply equally to all individuals, thereby laying the foundation for modern legal systems. In contrast, while the Magna Carta certainly reflects elements of consent of the governed, separation of powers, and principles that may relate to federalism, these concepts were not explicitly articulated within the document itself. The Magna Carta primarily focused on limiting royal authority and emphasizing legal rights, rather than on the broader structure of governance or the division of powers that would come later in constitutional frameworks. Therefore, the core principle of rule of law identified in the Magna Carta is essential to understanding the evolution of democratic governance and legal systems.