Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

Petition of Rights

Jun 7, 1628

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpgThe Petition of Rights prevented the quartering of soldiers in private homes, and the use of forced loans or taxation without Parliamentary approval. The Petition of Rights requires a trial before a person receives a sentence for crimes. This lead to a limited monarchy because the monarch abused their power in ways that violated the English people’s rights.

Seven Steps to Limited Monarchy

Period: Jun 7, 1628 to Dec 16, 1689

Grand Remonstrance

Dec 1, 1641

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_I_(1630s).jpgThe Grand Remonstrance listed grievances against the English monarchy, specifically Charles I. The Grand Remonstrance is intended to give Parliament more power to keep the monarch in check. This lead to a limited monarchy in England because it showed that the monarchy was not following the people’s interests, and needed to be monitored by Parliament.

English Civil War

Jan 1, 1642

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charles_I_and_his_adherents.jpg The English Civil War was fought between the Cavaliers, supporting Charles I, and the Roundheads, supporting Parliament. The war began because of Charles I’s abuse of power. The Roundheads vastly outnumbered the Cavaliers, eventually winning the English Civil War. This lead to a limited monarchy in England because it showed the people’s distrust of the monarch’s power because of their abuse of power.

Execution of Charles I

Jan 30, 1649

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Execution_of_Charles_I.jpgThe Execution of Charles I shows the English distrust of the monarchy, and that Charles I abused his power to an unlawful degree. It shows how England was moving away from an absolute monarchy because Charles I had a lot of power, but abused it and caused many problems among the English people.

Puritan Republic

Jan 31, 1649

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oliver_Cromwell1599-1658_by_Peter_Lely1.jpg The Puritan Republic, led by Oliver Cromwell, was a short period where England experimented with a Republic form of government. Although it did not succeed, it showed that England was moving away from an absolute monarchy and toward a limited monarchy because Charles I abused his power, and the people were willing to abolish the monarchy altogether to try and reform their government.

Glorious Revolution

Jan 1, 1688

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_and_Mary.jpgThe Glorious Revolution occurred when King James II of England was trying to rule with limited Parliamentary aid. Parliament invited Protestant William of Orange, who opposed absolutism, to invade England and claim the throne. This shows movement towards a limited monarchy because Parliament invited a person who was in favor of a limited monarchy to overthrow their own king.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689The English Bill of Rights, presented to King William III and Queen Mary II by Parliament, limited the monarchy’s power over the people, require Parliamentary consent to the monarchy, and prevent Roman Catholics from becoming a monarch. This shows a move towards a limited monarchy because the Bill of Rights limited the monarchy’s power, and required Parliamentary aid to rule the country by law.