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Jun 7, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a charter of rights under King John. The Magna Carta put limitations on the crowns power such as protection from illegal imprisonment, a guarantee to swift justice, and limiting feudal payments. This was the start to checking the king's power, and planted ideas for years to come. -
Charles I attempts to levy ship money
King Charles I attempts to levy ship money, starting in 1634, enforcing unfair and unwanted taxes on the people. He did so without Parliament's permission, enraging the propertied class and parliament. This, along with other abuses of power and disregard of parliament's authority, caused the discontent that later led to the civil war in 1642. -
Development of English Political Parties
Around this time English Political Parties began to develop and gain influence. These parties consisted of the Whigs and the Tories, who largely contested with one another. Despite said opposition, they were unified in their desire for a limited monarchy, as seen in their role in the Glorious Revolution. The parties continued to develop, growing especially in power during Queen Anne's reign. The parties played a large role in the increasing power of parliament. -
The Glorious Revolution
In 1688 II was overthrown as the ruler of England, Scotland, and Ireland when he was deposed by Mary II and William III. Though this put his daughter and son in law at the head of the states, this did more to strengthen the power of Parliament, as they could now determine who would succeed to the throne. -
English Bill of Rights
In 1689, the Bill of Rights was passed down via an act of parliament. The bill creates seperations of power (king could no longer interfere in court) and gives the people clearly outlines rights, such as freedom to petition the king, to bear arms, and a right to a trial. The bill was much needed, as many of the aforementioned rights had been violated by Charles I. Overall the Bill decreased the power of the monarchy and increased Parliament's power by defining the power of the regent. -
Sir Robert Walpole - First English Prime Minister
In 1721, Sir Robert Walpole became the first English Prime Minister. Walpole remains the longest serving Prime Minister, and is applauded for his success in handling the delicate and changing dynamics between parliament and the monarchy. He was a whig, known for fighting for his party and to maintain the progress made by the Glorious Revolution. His role as Prime Minister further empowered Parliament and weakened the monarchy. -
Madness of King George III
In the time leading up to his death in 1820, George III was deemed unfit to rule due to his every worsening madness, which some credit to bipolar disorder or porphyria (a blood disease). As a result, his son, George IV, was named regent. Though technically a monarch still sat on the throne and the regency, during the time of confusion and uncertainty, Parliament was able to take more control over the government, changing the nature of monarchy in England forever.
