Limited Monarchy in England

Magna Carta Signed

Jun 15, 1215

Barons in England were discontent with heavy taxation and arbitrary rule so they rebelled against the King. King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta and uphold certain rights like due process and protection from arbitrary imprisonment. The document said that the monarch is not exempt from the laws and this premise set the stage and contributed to the idea of a limited monarchy, where the ruler's authority is constrained by law and shared with elected bodies.

Provisions of Oxford

1258

Initiated by the barons, these provisions sought to reform King Henry III’s rule, which they deemed ineffective and arbitrary. They established a council of fifteen barons to advise the king, limit his power, and oversee administration. This event illustrates the principle that the king's authority should be checked by a council representing the nobility. The Provisions sought to ensure that the king could not act unilaterally, introducing elements of a constitutional government.

Model Parliament

1295

The Model Parliament of 1295 was convened by King Edward I and included representatives from various social classes: nobility and clergy, two knights from each county, two citizens from each city, and two burgesses from each borough. The Model Parliament reinforced the concept that taxation and legislation required consent and that the monarchy's power should be balanced by the will of the people, ultimately curbing royal authority and leading to a more constitutional government.

English Civil War

1642

The English Civil War was a series of conflicts between Parliamentarians and Royalists. It arose from tensions over issues like taxation, religion, and the extent of royal authority, particularly under Charles I, who believed in the divine right of kings. It resulted in the execution of Charles I in 1649, and the temporary establishment of a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. It changed the power balance between the monarchy and Parliament, contributing to the development of a limited monarchy.

The Restoration

1660

Upon his return, after the collapse of the Commonwealth, Charles II accepted certain limitations on royal power. The monarchy had to coexist with Parliament, which had gained prominence during the Civil War. Key events, such as the Clarendon Code, established some control over religious practices, but the underlying principle was that the monarchy would be constrained by parliamentary authority. This helped ensure the monarchy could not govern without Parliament's consent.

Glorious Revolution

1688

James II was overthrown and replaced by William III and Mary II. It was driven by fears of James II's perceived authoritarianism and his Catholic faith. In exchange for the throne, William and Mary accepted the Bill of Rights. This established parliamentary sovereignty, the requirement for regular sessions of Parliament, and protections for individual rights. This ensured royal powers were constrained by law and that the government required parliamentary consent to levy taxes or enact laws

Act of Settlement

1701

It aimed to secure Protestant succession to the throne by establishing that only Protestant descendants of Princess Sophia could inherit the crown, effectively excluding Catholics. The Act reinforced the principles in the Bill of Rights by ensuring parliamentary control over the succession and showing the monarchy's dependence on Parliament's approval. It affirmed that the monarch could not engage in certain activities without parliamentary consent.