The Magna Carta
Government in England
• 1066- William of Normandy conquered
England
• King Henry II (1154-1189) strengthened justice
system
– Decisions of judges formed the basis of “Common
Law”
• King John asked landholders to pay more taxes
• Nobles forced King John to sign the Magna
Carta in 1215
What did it say?
• The king would not impose taxes without the
agreement of his council
• Set out the rights of the nobles and the rights
of the common people
• A person could not be sent to prison without a
trial by jury
• The king was not above the law- he had to
obey it
Model Parliament
• 1295 King Edward I called on representative
from several groups to met together to make
laws for the country
• This group is known as Parliament