What is Magna Carta? Clause 12 Introduction

In medieval England, knights were required to provide military service or pay a tax called scooted. Over time, kings preferred monetary contributions to fund professional soldiers and mercenaries. This practice was exploited by Henry II and Richard I, but King John's military failures led to resistance against such taxes. Clause 12 of the Magna Carta reflects this resistance, planting the idea of 'no taxation without representation,' later echoed in the American War of Independence.

What was the primary obligation of knights in medieval England?

• To serve as advisors to the king

• To collect taxes from peasants

• To provide military service or pay a tax

• To manage the king's lands

Why did kings prefer to demand money instead of military service from knights?

• To fund professional soldiers and mercenaries

• To increase their personal wealth

• To reduce the power of the knights

• To avoid conflicts with knights

How did King John's military career compare to his predecessors?

• He was less successful than his predecessors

• He had similar success as his predecessors

• He was more successful than his predecessors

• He never engaged in military campaigns

What was the significance of Clause 12 in the context of taxation?

• It abolished all forms of taxation

• It introduced a new tax for knights

• It opposed taxes for foreign military adventures

• It supported increased taxation for military campaigns

Which historical event was foreshadowed by the ideas in Clause 12?

• The American War of Independence

• The American Civil War

• The English Civil War

• The French Revolution