Correct answer: A — There were few formal limits to the king’s power until 1215. In that year, King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to a number of demands. The result was a charter of rights called the Magna Carta (which means the Great Charter). The Magna Carta established the idea that even the king was subject to the law. It protected the rights of the nobility and restricted the king’s power to collect taxes or to make or change laws.
Why this question matters
This question is drawn from the “A Long and Illustrious History” section of the official Home Office handbook. Topics from this chapter make up a significant portion of the 24 questions in the real exam, so being able to answer this one comfortably is a small but real step towards passing on the day.
The accepted answer is A: “1215”. Memorise the underlying fact rather than the option letter — the order of options changes between attempts, and the real exam may rephrase the question.
More questions from this chapter
- Which TWO countries took part in the Battle of Agincourt?
- The Battle of Waterloo was fought against which country?
- The Boer War of 1899-1902 took place in ______
- What did Henry VII do?
- During the Victorian Age, the government promoted policies of free trade
Keep practising
- Take a full practice test on British History.
- Re-read the study notes for this chapter.
- Sit a 24-question timed mock.
- Browse the full question library.