Magna Carta: King John and the Barons' Grievances

Why were the barons angry at King John?

• He refused to raise taxes.

• He demanded higher taxes and took their lands.

• He followed the laws of the barons.

• He helped them fight successful wars in France.

According to the barons, King John broke his promises and failed to respect their rights. They believed their (a)   and freedoms should be protected by law.

Which of the following was NOT a complaint the barons had against King John?

• He arrested them without a fair hearing.

• He allowed widows to marry freely.

• He heavily taxed the people for a losing war

• He took their lands without permission.

What was the Archbishop of Canterbury's main message about King John?

• He was above all laws, including the laws of God.

• He was above the laws of men but not above God’s laws.

• He had full control over both the church and the barons.

• He did not need to listen to anyone’s concerns.

The following offenses angered the barons. Match them to the group they affected:

Groups:

(a) Seized lands

,

(b) Seized wealth of the church

,

(c) Raised taxes

• 
• 
• 

What did the barons decide to do when King John refused to listen to them?

• They left England.

• They planned to raise an army and take London.

• They decided to support King John.

• They asked the Pope to intervene and help them.

Match King John’s actions to their effects:

• Action: Raised taxes and seized lands → Effect: ​ (a)  

• Action: Ignored the barons’ complaints → Effect: ​ (b)  

• Barons formed a rebellion.
• The Army of God advanced to London.
• Barons celebrated his leadership.
• Citizens praised his tax policies.
• England won the war against France.
• The Barons gave up.

When Fitzwalter entered London, the people ​ (a)   him, showing their support for the barons’ cause.

• cheered
• ignored
• booed
• attacked
• joined

What did the Magna Carta do for the first time in history?

• It made King John more powerful than the barons.

• It created rules that even a king had to obey.

• It ended all disputes between kings and barons.

• It allowed barons to seize the king’s lands.

Match the Magna Carta rule to its purpose:

• Rule: No free man can be imprisoned without being charged → Purpose: ​ (a)  

• Rule: Taxes cannot be raised without baron approval → Purpose: ​ (b)  

• Rule: 25 Barons will watch over King John → Purpose: ​ (c)  

• Rule: Every man has the right to a fair trial → Purpose: ​ (d)  

• Protect individual rights.
• Limit the king’s power.
• Ensure the rules are being followed.
• Ensure justice and fairness.