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 _________ 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.