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1215
Magna Carta
Years of heavy taxation and unsuccessful foreign policies forced England's King John to agree to a set of liberties known as the Magna Carta, or "Great Charter." These would essentially place him and all future sovereigns of England within the rule of law. This was the first step in limiting the prior absolute power of the English monarch. -
1215
Establishment of Parliament
The first English Parliament convened in 1215 for the signing of the Magna Carta. As such, wealthy barons were allowed the right to serve as consultants to the king on important decisions. This early form of Parliament later evolved to include elected members from various counties throughout England, forming a council by which the king's influence and power was regulated and balanced. -
Petition of Right
This document required the king to settle all loans and taxation with Parliament, ensuring the governmental influence of Parliament. Additionally, no person could be detained and imprisoned without reasonable cause. Many of the clauses detailed in the Petition of Right allowed Parliament in role in political affairs, which was another step away from absolutist rule towards a limited monarchy. -
English Civil War
Led by Oliver Cromwell, Parliamentary forces rallied the English middle class, small landowners, and Puritans in a successful uprising known as the Puritan Revolution. This victory allowed Parliament to establish its supremacy over the king's influence. At the conclusion of the war, Charles I was convicted of treason and tyranny and executed. Such an extreme measure served to reinforce that English monarchs did not rule by divine right, but rather within the constraints of the law. -
Toleration Act
At the conclusion of the Glorious Revolution, Parliament reaffirmed its supremacy over the monarch. William II passed several laws, including the Toleration Act, which granted freedom of worship to Nonconformists, such as Protestants. In any case of an absolutist rule, the monarch exercises control over all areas of power, particularly religion. As such, once Parliament ensured that there could be freedom of religion, the monarch lost a significant arena of influence. -
English Bill of Rights
After King James II was overthrown, William III and Mary II came into power. They signed the English Bill of Rights into law, which described specific constitutional rights that ultimately gave Parliament authority over the monarchy. This was the primary cause for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. -
Act of Settlement
The Act of Settlement of 1701 was designed to secure Protestant succession to the throne, which then effectively ensured a parliamentary system of government. The Sovereign had to gain parliamentary consent to engage in war, and judges could only hold office under good behavior and not Royal favoritism. As such, judicial independence was established and the power of the monarch was limited and regulated.
