Setting the Limits of Monarchy

Petition of the Right

1628

In order for King Charles to be granted the new funds he wanted, Parliament required that he first accept this petition, which would further increase the influence of Parliament. It necessitated Parliament's approval for taxes and loans. The king could not enforce policies independently.
(Kagan 385)

The Long Parliament

1640

This era reaffirmed the necessity of Parliament in government actions in order to garner popular support. The king's independent decisions had irked many who subsequently saw Parliament as a way to check the king's power and ensure that decisions were made for the good of the people. The king and Parliament were establishing their limits in the give-and-take of government function.
(Kagan 385)

Militia Ordinance

1642

King Charles invaded Parliament in an attempt to exert control and establish his dominance over his opponents. This ordinance gave Parliament the power to raise its own army, giving it more equal standing with the monarch. This also ensured that Parliament could hold its own without bowing to the desires of the king.
(Kagan 386)

Puritan Republic

1649

King Charles was executed, the monarchy abolished, the House of Lords disbanded, and the Anglican Church destroyed. In the battle of establishing a working balance, this was definitely a victory for Parliament. It showed that Parliament was not going to disappear, but a compromise would be necessary for progress and future governance.
(Kagan 386)

Death of Cromwell

1658

After years of brutal rule and unrealistic policies, England realized that it did indeed need the monarchy as part of its system. The passing of the Puritan Republic, along with Oliver Cromwell, enabled this important step. Rather than either the king or Parliament reigning alone, they would need to work out a middle ground.
(Kagan 386)

King Charles II Rises

1660

England resumed its system of hereditary monarchy. It also established that Parliament would meet whenever the king summoned it. The people were happy to see the return of a king, even if they were dissatisfied with the monarch himself.
(Kagan 386)

The Glorious Revolution

1688

King Charles II was deposed,and William and Mary assumed the throne of England.They recognized a crucial Bill of Rights which "limited the powers of the monarchy" (Kagan 388). This set the precedent for England's limited monarchy in which monarchs had to have the consent of Parliament. This Parliament would meet at a set time every three years, regardless of the king's summons.
(Kagan 388)