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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carter- The Magna Carter is a royal charter that established the principle ha everyone, including the monarchy, is subject to the law. It provided all English people with certain inherit rights and liberties that could not be infringed upon or violated by a ruler or the government. Thus, rulers can be convicted and punished of crimes, which limited the monarch’s authority. -
Jan 20, 1265
Creation of Parliament
The English parliament was established and developed through meetings called the Great Council. The establishment of parliament also marked the beginning of a legislative body in England. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War was fought between the Royalists and Parliamentarians over how England should be ruled. The Parliamentarians wanted a strong parliament, while the Royalists believed a monarch should have central control. After approximately nine years, the Parliamentarians won the war and consequently King Charles IV was executed. -
English Restoration
Charles II was restored to the throne of England. In addition, Parliament declares that the king cannot override the laws of Parliament. -
Bill of Rights 1689
This document declared Great Britain to have a limited monarchy and outlined the rights of the individual citizen. The Bill of Rights also reprimanded King James II for abusing his power. -
The Act of Settlement
The Act of Settlement strengthened the previous Bill or Rights of 1689. It declared that all monarchs will unite with the Church of England; if a future monarch is not a native of England, England does not have to participate in war outside of its land, judges can only hold office during "good behavior" and impeachments are not subject to pardon by the sovereign. -
Habeas Corpus Act 1679
The Habeas Corpus Act was passed by Parliament too promote individual liberty. The writ of habeas courpus is a court order to a person or agency holding someone in custody to deliver the imprisoned individual to the court issuing the order.