Magna Carta

In England, the Magna Carta provided a standard of measurement for the sale of ale and wine. In 1643, the English Parliament proposed the first tax on distilled spirits. In the American colonies, William Kieft, Director General of New Nethedand, imposed the first liquor tax of two guilders on each half vat of beer in 1640. Alexander Hamilton initiated an excise tax on domestic spirits in 1791. The tax was resented and ultimately repealed in 1800 by Thomas Jefferson. Except during the War of 1812, domestic spirits remained untaxed until 1862. At that time, a tax of 0.02/L was implemented, which has been increased periodically. In January 1991, the Pederal Excise Tax on distilled spirits was raised to 3.56 per titer or 13.50 per proof gallon. In addition, many states have substantially increased the state excise taxes on distilled spirits. 

The Magna Carta (English translation of the Latin original)—4482 words. 

So reads the standard measures clause of the Magna Carta (June 1215). The standards mentioned were not substantially revised until the nineteenth century. When the American colonies separated from England, they retained, among other things, the weights and measures then in use. It is probable that at that time these were the most firmly established and widely used weights and measures in the world. 

Magna Carta accepted by King John of England. 

The importance of standards to society is illustrated in the Magna Carta, presented by the English barons to King John in 1215 on the field at Runnymede. Article 35 states ... 

There shall be but one measure throughout the land. This famous excerpt from the Magna Carta expresses clearly the role of government in the regulation of fair trade. Central to this task was... 

In 1215 the English barons entreated King John to sign Magna Carta which restricted royal power and prerogative. 

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