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Jun 15, 1215
The Signing of the Magna Carta
Signed in 1215, the Magna Carta served as one of the most significant legal documents in history due to the fact that it preserved concepts of government liability and sought to protect basic individual rights.The Magna Carta functioned as a charter that was first drafted by the Archbishop of Canterberry in an effort to establish peace between King John and a group of insurgent barrens. In regards to limited monarchy, the Magna Carta set forth the idea that law was above the government. -
Dec 14, 1241
Establishment of Parliament
Close to thirty years after the signing of the Magna Carta, English Parliament was created. Composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, this new government institution sought to act as consultants to the King. Over time, however, it soon developed into a force that challenged his power, and thus promoted a limited monarchy. -
Jan 1, 1376
Impeachment
Following its inception, Parliament had conceived the English tool of impeachment. By this, the King's ministers were held responsible for his actions, which likewise limited his power. Being that his servants could easily be executed for instituting poor policies, such ramifications greatly weakened the King's authority. Less royal influence, as exhibited here, encouraged limited monarchy. -
The Petition of Rights
The House of Commons, a division of Parliament, had forced King Charles I into signing the Petition of Rights which conveyed specific liberties of individuals that the King was prohibited to infringe upon. In signing this, Charles reluctantly ensured that he would go through Parliament to enact new policies or raise taxes. This set a precedent for future rulers, that absolute monarchy would be extremely limited. -
English Civil War
From 1642 up until 1651, the English Civil War was a battle fought between Parliamentarians and Royalists, over the state and manner of England's Government. The war led to the execution of King Charles I and his son Charles II in addition to the complete replacement of English monarchy. -
Gentry
The Gentry served as a separate division of Parliament that hinted to the first sign of democracy and limited monarchy through the representation of people from all sects. It consisted of approximately 15,000 individuals, from all economic statuses, who were equally recognized. Every person represented their country and articulated their own issues and grievances. -
Act of Settlement
The Act of Settlement was a document crafted by Parliament in an attempt to settle the succession to the King. It greatly restricted the power and authority of the monarchs which further guaranteed a parliamentary system of government.
