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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
Rebel nobles in England drafted the Magna Carta to curtail the power of their own tyrannical monarch, King John. Signed in 1215, although it primarily secured liberties for England’s elite classes, its language protecting due process and barring absolute monarchy has guided the fundamental principles of common law in constitutions around the world for the last 800 years. It brought an end to the absolute power of English sovereigns as they, too, were required to be held accountable by the law. -
Dec 14, 1241
Parliament is Established
Following the Treaty of Union in 1707, Acts of Parliament passed in the Parliament of England in 1241. It was composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The members were originally meant to act as advisers to the King, but eventually would become the very force that challenged his power. -
The Gentry
The Gentry was a group consisting of more than 15,000 British people who spoke up for their country when decisions needed to be made. The Gentry didn’t consist of all the wealthy or royalty, which was good. Common people had a chance to make input in decision making and they spoke for ideas that helped establish Limited Monarchy, as long as they are male. The Gentry and Parliament were two separate groups and each had their own beliefs and rights. -
Charles II
His reign marked the Restoration period, Charles was known for his cavorting lifestyle and feuds with Parliament. Charles was a good leader, aside from the fact he kept secret the fact he was Roman Catholic. In 1642, civil war broke out between Parliament and Charles I over his claim of divine right to rule. By the end of the decade, Parliament, led by the Puritan Oliver Cromwell, was victorious. -
Two Treatises of Government Published
The ideas expressed in the Treatises arose in the middle of England’s political drama involving Charles II. Locke hoped to provide a convincing critique of England’s current form of government and lay the groundwork for a better option. It was a general argument against absolute monarchy, and served as a wonderful defense for the Glorious Revolution. -
Act of Settlement
This was an act of England’s Parliament to settle succession to the English throne. The Act also stipulated that the future monarch must be in communion with the Church of England, must never go out of England, Scotland and Ireland without the consent of Parliament and must not involve his English dominions in the defence of his territories on the Continent without the approval of Parliament With the Bill of Rights 1689, England remained two of the main constitutional laws regarding succession. -
The English Civil War
The English Civil War was fought during Charles I's reign. It was a conflict between the Parlimentarians (led by Oliver Cromwell; also called "Roundheads") and the Royalists (led by King Charles I; also called "Cavaliers"). The war ended in 1651 with Parliamentarian victory, and England became a republican Commonweath under Cromwell. This event was a major victory for the increase in Parliament's power over the monarchy.
