Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

The Magna Carta

Jun 1, 1215

King John signs the 'Great Charter' with nobles, reducing his absolute control. The document is important in contributing to the limiting of monarchy as John agrees to follow laws rather than 'absolute will' of the King.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta

Divine Right of Kings Presented

Jan 1, 1567

The divine Right of Kings promoted that Kings were chosen by God, and set out resons that each class should follow and trust him completely, while it also set out rules for each social class. This moved England towards limited monarchy as people began to question the authority presented.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:James_I_of_England_by_Daniel_Mytens.jpg

Petition of Rights

May 1, 1628

The Petition of Right highlighted the abuses of monarchs, and presented rights that the King could not longer infringe upon, backed by earlier documents for rights. This further limited monarchy in England.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg

Start of The English Civil War

Jan 1, 1642

Charles I disagrees with Parliament and attempts to arrest his critics within Parliament, the representation of the people. Seeing that Charles is attempting to cut down on their representation, English citizens rebel and Civil War errupts. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Hopton_Heath.png

Execution of Charles I

Jan 30, 1649

King Charles I is found guilty of treason and tyranny, and executed. He became the first English ruler killed by his people, and represented the growing intolerance of absolutism by his subjects.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charles_I_(van_Dyck).jpg

James II Disolves Parliament

Jul 2, 1687

James II desides to disolve Parliament in order to elect a Catholic one, hoping to bring Catholics to complete power. This led to the Glorious Revolution, demonstrationg that England was not above going back to war to protect its newly aquired protection of Rights.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:James.II.jpg

English Bill of Rights Presented

Dec 16, 1689

The Bill of Rights sets down powers of the monarch and the powers of Parliament. Limiting power of Monarchy, and increasing power of Parliament, while making clear the exact priveledges and responsibilities of each, the Bill of Rights further limited the power of monarchy.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689_(top).jpg