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2015 marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta – the document seen by many as England’s greatest export. It set out limits to the powers of the monarch and ideals of liberty and justice which have underpinned British society, the establishment of Parliamentary democracy and the development of the legal system in the UK and around the world.

This landmark moment falls in a General Election year and the BBC will mark this period with Taking Liberties – a collection of thought-provoking new commissions from across the BBC that will not only explore Magna Carta’s history and influence but will also examine the current state of democracy. The season will form part of an extensive range of events and activities across the country to mark the anniversary. The BBC has been working closely with the British Library and the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Commemoration Committee to develop this collection of programmes.

Click here to view a listing of programmes on BBC iPlayer that approach how our democracy works in 2015, and what liberties were at stake in 1215.

How much political power is in your pocket? The BBC has produced a democracy today web resource for students and younger audiences.Click here to visit the iWonder section.

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790 years ago, John,the King of England was having a little local difficulty with his barons. His attempts to defend his extensive dominions across the Channel, including Normandy and a considerable portion of western France, had been a disaster...

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