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Jan 1, 1100
Charter of Liberties
The Charter of Liberties was one of the first documents in English history that limited what the English Monarch could and couldn’t do. Written in 1100 and issued by Henry I, it stated that the King must follow certain laws regarding the treatment of church officials and nobles. It addressed past abuses of power by past Kings and prevented Kings to over-tax noblemen and abuse their powers. -
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was the first document that was created by the English people that set rules and expectations for their Monarch. The Magna Carta was issued by feudal barons in hope of limiting the Monarch’s power. The document required English Monarch’s to give certain liberties to his subjects and that while making decisions, the Monarch must obey the English law. -
The Petition of Right
The Petition of Right states specific liberties that the English people have that the Monarch cannot take away. It contains restrictions on taxation by the Monarch, imprisonment without cause and the extent of the power that Monarchs have over their subjects. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War showed that the King didn’t have as much power over his subjects as he believed he did. After War broke out between supporters of the King and the Roundheads, Charles I was executed and his son was exiled. The Monarchy was replaced by the Commonwealth of England and though, eventually, the Monarchy was put back in place, it showed that Monarchs didn’t have as much power as they had once believed they had. -
Charles I Execution
This was a very important event in English history because the English people executed their Monarch and put in place a Government that they had never had. The English people showed that they didn't want a Monarch with absolute power and because of their experience with Charles I, they produced legislation that issued limits to the Monarch's power. Additionally, the execution of Charles I led to the first time in English history that they weren't ruled by a Monarch. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was when the English people took their King off the throne and put another in his place. It was, with exception to the English Civil War, the first time the English people took their King off the throne for having too much power and putting someone in his place. The Glorious Revolution led to reforms in what the King could and couldn't do and it was an example for Kings and Queens to come of what not to do. -
The Bill of Rights
Right after the Glorious Revolution, Parliament issued the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights issued limits on the power of the Monarchs and set out specific rights that Parliament had. It also gave more freedom of speech to members of Parliament, required regular elections for Parliament and gave Parliament the right to petition the Monarch without fear. It was a landmark Bill in the road to limiting Monarchs power because it gave more power than ever before to the elected Parliament.
