What kind of governance was implied by the Magna Carta's stipulations?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is often regarded as a foundational document in the development of constitutional governance and the rule of law. Its stipulations aimed to limit the powers of the king and establish certain legal rights for the nobles, which in turn laid the groundwork for more representative forms of governance.

The principle that no one, not even the king, is above the law is a significant aspect of the Magna Carta's legacy. It introduced the notion that the ruler's power should be constrained by legal frameworks and that subjects should have certain rights protected from arbitrary authority. This movement towards limiting royal power and ensuring certain liberties can be seen as an early step towards democratic principles, as it emphasized accountability and representation.

The context of feudal fragmentation, which reflects a decentralized system of governance where power is dispersed among various lords, does not fully capture the essence of the Magna Carta's central aim, which was to unify the legal system under the monarchy while still protecting the rights of the barons.

In contrast, absolute monarchy and unlimited royal power reflect systems where the monarch has total control without limitations, which is directly opposed to the intent of the Magna Carta. Thus, the correct choice recognizes the early democratic elements symbolized by the Magna Carta's