The Magna Carta contributed to the development of the U.S. Constitution primarily by confirming which principle?

The Magna Carta contributed to the development of the U.S. Constitution primarily by confirming which principle?

• A. Absolute monarchy
• B. Democratic elections every year
• C. Rule of law limiting royal power
• D. Separation of church and state

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that rulers are bound by laws. The Magna Carta established that the king’s powers aren’t unlimited and that legal procedures and rights must be respected before government actions affect people. This idea—rule of law, with limits on royal power—became a foundation for the Constitution’s approach to government, ensuring that those in power operate under laws and that individuals have protections and due process. The other options don’t fit because the Magna Carta did not establish an absolute monarchy, it wasn’t about yearly elections, and it doesn’t primarily focus on separating church and state; it centers on limiting royal authority through legal constraints.

The main idea being tested is that rulers are bound by laws. The Magna Carta established that the king’s powers aren’t unlimited and that legal procedures and rights must be respected before government actions affect people. This idea—rule of law, with limits on royal power—became a foundation for the Constitution’s approach to government, ensuring that those in power operate under laws and that individuals have protections and due process. The other options don’t fit because the Magna Carta did not establish an absolute monarchy, it wasn’t about yearly elections, and it doesn’t primarily focus on separating church and state; it centers on limiting royal authority through legal constraints.