Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

The Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

King John was forced to sign this document issued in 1215 by his subjects. This was the first major challenge to the absolute rule of the king in England of the time. This document limited the power of the king and gave the people greater rights. This document was the first to limit the government and challenge absolute power.

Establishment of Parliament

Dec 14, 1241

Established in 1241, Parliament was created originally for its members to be advisors to the king but they ended up being the main body that challenged his power. Parliament is composed of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Queen Elizabeth I's Reign

Nov 17, 1558

Queen Elizabeth I was the last ruler who balanced their reign with the Parliament efficiently and effectively. This led to the support of the people which established their trust in a government where the ruler did not have full control. Therefore the idea of a limited monarchy was able to develop.

Petition of Rights

Jun 7, 1628

This document was presented to Charles I and he was forced to sign it. It was written to decrease the monarch's power and challenged the divine right of monarchs. It said that the kind could no longer punish a citizen without a lawful trial. This document continued to show the people's feelings towards the king and the change towards the government they wanted.

English Civil War

Jan 1, 1642

The English Civil War was fought during the reign of Charles I. It was fought between the roundheads (Parliamentarians) and the cavaliers (Royalists). When the war ended in 1651, the Parliamentarians had won and England became a republican commonwealth under Cromwell.This is significant because it was the first major victory of the increase of power of Parliament over the monarchy.

The Glorious Revolution

Jan 1, 1688

King James II came into power in England and ruled as the absolute monarch and favored Catholicism. Parliament did not like him and replaced him with William and Mary in 1689. They fashioned a new cooperation between Monarchy and Parliament. This exchange of power was called the Glorious Revolution and brought with it greater freedom and liberty in England.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

Parliament passed the Bill of Rights, signed by William and Mary in 1689. It said that the parliament was above the king in terms of power an laid out what liberties subjects should have and what liberties they shouldn't have. This document solidified where Parliament believed the monarchy and its reign should be, low.