Question

the magna carta
the magna carta is a document that was forced upon king john of england in the year 1215 by a group of lords and high - church officials (archbishops and bishops). the document primarily aimed to limit the power of the king. the magna carta contains 63 articles in which only three survive in english law today. many of the articles we will not explore are only relevant to those who lived in the middle ages because of old traditions. words in brackets are simplified or modern versions of the words used in the original document and are there to make it easier to understand.
background for article 1!
king john had infringed on the churchs ability to elect its own bishops and archbishops in england. archbishops are the highest - ranking member of the catholic church outside of rome (only cardinals and the pope are higher). archbishops were advisors to kings, carried out the will of the pope and held considerable power over the people. in 1208, john attempted to elect an archbishop who favored him instead of the church - elected archbishop who would serve the church. tired of the english kings, the pope excommunicated john and closed churches throughout england. with no churches, the people have nowhere to worship and show their faith to god. the excommunication was reversed in 1213.
article 1 (excerpt):
(1) first, that we have granted to god, and by this present charter magna carta have confirmed for us and our heirs children in perpetuity forever, that the english church shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired... before the outbreak beginning of the present dispute argument/fight between us and our barons lords, we granted gave and confirmed by charter the freedom of the churchs elections voting - a right reckoned assumed to be of the greatest necessity need and importance to it - and caused this to be confirmed by pope innocent iii. this freedom we shall observe ourselves, and desire to be observed in good faith by our heirs in perpetuity forever.

• undiminished - not made smaller, weaker, less than it was
• unimpaired - not weakened or damaged

1. what is the subject of article 1? highlight keywords that tell us what the subject is.

who do you think wrote article 1?
what is the purpose of article 1?

Explanation:

1. The subject of Article 1 is the freedom and rights of the English Church, specifically its right to free elections. Keywords: English Church, freedom, rights, Church's elections.
2. Article 1 was likely written by King John (or on his behalf) as it uses the first - person plural "we" and refers to "our heirs" indicating the royal perspective.
3. The purpose of Article 1 is to confirm and guarantee the freedom of the English Church and its right to elections, aiming to resolve disputes and maintain the status - quo regarding the Church's liberties.

Answer:

1. Subject: Freedom and rights of the English Church, especially Church's elections. Keywords: English Church, freedom, rights, Church's elections.
2. Writer: King John (or on his behalf).
3. Purpose: To confirm and guarantee the English Church's freedom and right to elections, resolving disputes.