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Period: to
Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy
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James I begins his rule
James I believed he could solve England's internal problems. He wanted to solve the country's religious divsion and financial issues without Parliament's advise. His favoritism and unfaithfullness to the established government body, parliament, made James I unpopular. His reign foreshadows the widespread dissaproval for a tyrannical king, and the need for constitutional reform. -
Petition of Rights
The Petition of Rights was passed to limit the monarch's ability to soley levy taxes to generate more revenue. Charles I tried to collect more tax money than what was previously agreed to in Parliament. As a result, Parliament forced Charles to agree to consulting with Parliament before levying loans or taxes without Parliament's consent. Outraged, Charles I closed Parliament until 1640. The attempts to limit monarchial power continues.... -
The Long Parliament
The landowner and merchant classes, dispised Charles's for his tyrannical tendencies. The Long Parliament convened in 1640 and took advantage of this widespread sentiment to fire members of the courts who defended King Charles. The consolidated support showed the need to restructure the monarch's position of power. -
The English Civil War
The war was fought between the Cavaliers, who supported Charles I, and the Roundheads, who fought for a restrained monarchial position. When Charles I attempted to arrest his opponents in Parliament, the members reacted by forming a militia. The Roundheads won the Civil War. This lead to a limited monarchy in England under the control of Oliver Cromwell. -
The Puritan Republic
he Puritan Republic was led by Oliver Cromwell. During this time ,England transitioned from a monarchy to a republic. Even though the republic did not last, it demonstrated that England could be ruled without a king. This period should be considered as an attempt to limit the power of the monarchy (instead it turned into a military dictatorship...). -
The Glorious Revolution
When King James II of England to rule without the consent of Parliament, members of Parliament invited William of Orange, to invade England and sieze the throne. Successful, William of Orange, with the aid of Parliament, established a constitutional monarchy in England. This event marks the new era of a limited English monarchy. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was passed during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. The Bill of rights limited the monarchy’s power over English society. It also required Parliamentary consent for decisions. The Bill of Rights limited the monarchy’s power–it created a system to check and balance the monarch's power. This helped protect the rights on an individual.
