Past and modern institutions compared: Magna Carta, medieval municipality and local government today, between concessions, freedom, autonomy, participation

Abstract

In this article, a comparative and reflective work is proposed for students, focusing on institutions of the past – from the medieval period – and those of today, as well as on what has changed in terms of administrative management, rights, duties, and participation in the public life of local communities. The proposed project idea was born from the need to combine the study of content and skills acquired from three subjects in a practical way for a Civic Education Unit, which could make students appreciate the study of history beyond the textbook, with a focus on local history through original or well-researched sources. The methodology used is that of the flipped classroom and group work.