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1215
British Parliament Established
The establishment of a body that also holds governmental power stands in the way of a monarch having absolute power. Though it had little power at first, parliament developed until it was as powerful as the king, and eventually, even more so. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
This document limited and challenged the rule of the king, making him subject to law. It also listed right/liberties of the citizens. Establishing this document planted the idea of a limited monarchy. -
Petition of Right
This constitutional document spells out civil liberties and details that the king cannot infringe upon them--maters of taxation, imprisonment, etc. This came as a result of Charles I unjust practices. This document shows how, over time, people began recognizes the wrongs committed by the crown, and seeking justice. The way to do this was through limiting the powers of the monarch. -
English Civil War and Charles I Execution
Charles essentially refused to work with parliament; he then ruled without them for nearly a decade. His religious decisions also angered many, given he married a Catholic and tried to force his own beliefs on Scotland. Civil war eventually broke out and parliament was divided. The country was divided and Charles was executed for treason and the Common Wealth was formed. This is important in showing that the people fought against a dictator like king, and developed checks on power to prevent it. -
Rule of Olivier Cromwell
Olivier Cromwell's short lived dictatorship completely changed the dynamic of English government. He attempted to create a republic where all the power lay rested in the people--well, those who were "godly." -
Glorious Revolution
William and Mary overtook the throne from King James II. They established a relationship with parliament that allowed parliament to constrain the monarchy, and establish a balance of powers. England fro then on was a constitutional monarchy. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was passed by Parliament in 1689. It established a separation of powers, limited the power of the king, enhanced representative government, and secured free speech and other rights. This gave the body parliamentary sovereignty and stripped the crown of many of its powers. By this point, the monarchy no longer had absolute power.
