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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was issued by King John of England. It introduced the idea that everyone was subject to law. It gave the right to justice (the justice system), fair trial, taxes, and privileges. It was reused during Queen Elizabeth I because people looked towards the document as a representation of their rights they deserve. It led the way to limiting to power of the monarch and giving more power to the adverage citizen.
http://www.bl.uk/magna-carta/articles/magna-carta-an-introduction -
Nov 13, 1295
Parliament
Parliament was established under King Edward I. The first calling of Parliament included clergy, aristocracy, and representatives from many counties and boroughs. This set a precedent for future Parliaments that included more people in the decision making process or rights, rules, and regulation. This allowed for citizens to have a voice and the power to not go to one person but, many.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_Parliament -
Nov 17, 1558
Queen Elizabeth I Era
Queen Elizabeth I allowed for Parliament to have a say for the first time in government affairs. She listened to her people and did not make them convert or believe in any one thing. She was the first Queen to have a constitutional monarchy where people had a say in what they thought. The Queen even appointed a prime minister to have power and influence next to her. http://www.dummies.com/education/history/world-history/queen-elizabeth-and-her-constitutional-monarchy/ -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Rights was written by Parliament so that no monarch such as Charles I could have overruling authority. It created laws that gave Parliament and the monarchs a more fair and just split of power. Decisions made by the monarch could not be put into action without the authority of parliament. This helped prevent absolute monarchy in law. http://study.com/academy/lesson/petition-of-right-of-1628-definition-summary.html -
Execution of King Charles I
King Charles I dissolved Parliament which started his reign of absolute monarchy. Many were not happy with this because people wanted to have representation and did not want one person with all the power. King Charles was beheaded and this marked the first time in English history that the people had more of a power then monarchy. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/charlesI.htm -
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government
This book set ideals that people read to further there thinking against absolute monarchy. He talked about absolute freedom and equality. He argued that the best government is the one that restricts the least amount of freedom. People passed on the book and shared the thoughts of Locke to form their own opinions. http://study.com/academy/lesson/two-treatises-of-government-by-locke-summary-lesson-quiz.html -
The English Bill of Rights
This gave a set of rules and rights for people and a just spread of power. This officially set a constitutional monarchy. It gave people freedom of speech and elections for Parliament. Parliament got William and Mary to sign this document so that Parliament had more power then the King and Queen. https://www.landofthebrave.info/bill-of-rights-1689.htm
