Which historical document laid the foundation for constitutional law in English-speaking countries?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is recognized as a foundational document for constitutional law in English-speaking countries due to its establishment of the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. This landmark document introduced various legal concepts that influenced the development of democratic governance and individual rights, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary arrest.

The Magna Carta marked the beginning of limitations on the powers of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for future constitutional frameworks, including the English Bill of Rights and later documents such as the United States Constitution. Its influence can be seen in the way it inspired notions of due process and the rule of law, which are pivotal in constitutional law today.

The other documents serve different purposes and contexts: The Bill of Rights focuses on specific rights and freedoms, primarily in the context of the United States; the Articles of Confederation provided a framework for governance in the early United States but lacked a strong central authority; the Federalist Papers were written to argue for the adoption of the Constitution and clarify its principles but were not foundational documents in the way the Magna Carta is.