question: Write a historical essay on the influence of the Magna Carta on the monarchies of Europe, focusing on how it shaped the governance structures of at least three different kingdoms. Ensure the essay concludes with the exact sentence: "Thus, the Magna Carta became a cornerstone of constitutional monarchy."
answer: The Magna Carta, sealed by King John of England in 1215, is often heralded as a foundational document in the development of modern governance. Its influence extended beyond the shores of England, impacting monarchies across Europe by introducing the idea that even sovereigns are subject to the law. The principles enshrined in the Magna Carta—such as due process, the rule of law, and the limitation of absolute power—resonated throughout the continent and influenced the governance structures of numerous kingdoms.
  
  In England, the Magna Carta laid the groundwork for a constitutional monarchy by establishing the precedent that the king could not levy taxes or make significant legal changes without the consent of his barons, a principle that evolved into the parliamentary system. The document's emphasis on due process and habeas corpus began to limit the monarch's judicial authority, ensuring that subjects could not be arbitrarily imprisoned. Over time, these principles were further entrenched, leading to the development of a constitutional framework that balanced the power of the monarchy with that of Parliament.
  
  The impact of the Magna Carta was also felt in France, where the concept of a sovereign bound by law began to take hold. Although the French monarchy remained largely absolute until the French Revolution, the idea of limiting royal power through codified laws gained traction among the nobility and intellectuals. This influence was evident in the later development of the French constitutional charters of the 19th century, which sought to balance the authority of the monarch with the rights of citizens and parliamentary institutions.
  
  In the Holy Roman Empire, the Magna Carta's legacy was reflected in the Golden Bull of 1356, which formalized the electoral process for choosing the emperor and codified certain checks on imperial power. While the empire was a complex amalgamation of territories with varying degrees of autonomy, the Golden Bull exemplified the broader European trend of seeking to limit monarchical control through legal and institutional mechanisms. This trend continued as the empire evolved, leading to a gradual shift towards a more constitutional form of governance.
  
  The influence of the Magna Carta was not confined to these three kingdoms alone; its principles echoed throughout Europe, inspiring philosophers, reformers, and lawmakers to advocate for a balance between the authority of rulers and the rights of subjects. Thus, the Magna Carta became a cornerstone of constitutional monarchy.