Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

This was the first document to put any limits on the monarch and protected the rights of the people. This was the basis for limiting the power of monarchs and therefore was an important step leading to a limited monarchy.

Petition of Right

Jun 7, 1628

The king could not tax without consent of Parliament and people could not be imprisoned without cause. It also outlawed the quartering of troops in private homes. Charles I agreed to this, but he did not actually follow any of the rules. There were no immediate changes in government since Charles did not follow this petition, but putting restrictions on the monarchy put parliament in a position of power which eventually led to a more limited monarchy.

Grand Remonstrance

Nov 22, 1641

This was a list of grievances against Charles I. This document was an important part of the opposition to the monarchy. By strengthening the opposition to the monarchy, the Grand Remonstrance led to a limited monarchy by supporting restrictions on kings.

Militia Ordinance

Mar 1, 1642

Parliament was able to raise it's own army. Until know, only the king was able to raise an army so by raising it's own army, Parliament became more powerful than before. This led to a limited monarchy because raising an army used to be a power unique to the king, but now parliament could do this as well, which limited the monarchy and made parliament more influential. This also led to a civil war.

Cromwell's reign

Jan 1, 1649

Parliament and Cromwell took over and killed Charles. Cromwell took over and acted as a dictator. England returned to a monarchy after Cromwell's death, but his rule was still significant because England was ruled by someone other than a king for the first time in many years. This made it possible for other people to be influential in England's government.

Appointment of William and Mary of Orange

Feb 1, 1689

This was an end to the Glorious Revolution. It was a significant step to limited monarchy because they were chosen by parliament and because they agreed to the Bill of Rights. Because of this, William and Mary could not have to much power, it went to parliament instead.

Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

This was the final step to a limited monarchy. It limited the rights of the monarchy and granted civil liberties to some people. This document created strict laws to limit the power of monarchs in areas like taxes and military. These rules were important in limiting the power of the monarchy, particularly over parliament.