Which of the following correctly pairs a document with a core theme of that document?

The Magna Carta is a pivotal document in the development of constitutional governance, as it established the principle of the rule of law. This principle asserts that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, laid the groundwork for limiting the powers of authority and ensuring that individuals had certain rights. Its emphasis on legal norms and fairness has profoundly influenced later legal documents and concepts of governance, underpinning democratic systems by reinforcing that laws apply equally to all.

The other documents mentioned do not align correctly with their stated themes. For instance, the Declaration of Independence was primarily about asserting individual rights and independence from British rule rather than forming a state-centered government. The U.S. Constitution established a federal system of government rather than a unitary one, where power is shared between national and state governments. Lastly, while the Articles of Confederation highlighted the importance of consent from the governed, their primary focus was on creating a confederation of states, which ultimately proved to be ineffective in governance. Thus, the pairing of the Magna Carta with the rule of law accurately reflects its historical significance.