Seven Important Events to the Creation of a Limited Monarchy in England

  • Jun 15, 1215

    Magna Carta

    Magna Carta
    The Magna Carta showed that the king had to follow the law too. It was very important because it stopped King John from doing whatever he wanted. This helped people like nobles get their rights. It was one of the first moves towards controlling royal power.
  • Execution of Charles I

    Execution of Charles I
    King Charles I's execution for treason showed that the king was answerable to Parliament. This event greatly limited absolute royal power, proving that the king was not unbeatable and could face punishment for his deeds.
  • Restoration of the Monarchy

    Restoration of the Monarchy
    Charles II coming back to the throne meant the monarchy got restored, but the king's power was less than before. The Restoration proved the monarchy really stayed, but it had to work together with Parliament.
  • The Glorious Revolution

    The Glorious Revolution
    When William of Orange invaded, King James II stepped down. This event changed how the monarchy worked. Now the king ruled because Parliament agreed, not because God said so. Power moved without fighting and showed that the king needed Parliament's approval.
  • Coronation of William and Mary

    Coronation of William and Mary
    William and Mary became crowned leaders together after the Glorious Revolution. Their crowning happened because Parliament asked them, showing the monarchy now obeyed Parliament. This set the rule that the king and queen governed only with Parliament's agreement, strengthening the idea of limited monarchy.
  • The Bill of Rights

    The Bill of Rights
    The Bill of Rights set clear limits on royal power and increased parliamentary authority. The monarch could no longer pause laws, collect taxes, or keep a standing army without Parliament’s agreement. This act shaped the constitutional monarchy so the monarch probably needed parliamentary cooperation to govern.
  • The Act of Settlement

    The Act of Settlement
    This law strengthened Parliament's control by stating that only Protestant descendants of Sophia of Hanover could become the monarch. Monarch's powers faced limits, and Parliament kept authority over who would succeed, reinforcing the monarchy's constitutional nature.