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Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
King John is presented with the Magna Carta Libertatum, a charter drafted by a group of barons unhappy with the king's rule. The document limited the absolute power of the monarch, and ensured the protection of basic liberties that all citizens under the crown would have. It was the first attempt at challenging the absolute power of the monarch in England. -
Jan 20, 1265
Simon de Montfort's Parliament
Following the seizure of power in England as a result of his victory at the Battle of Lewes, Monfort held a parliament with the usual knights and barons of towns, along with burgesses from the towns as well. This was the first example of having a lower house in parliament, which later led to the creation of the House of Commons in the English and British parliaments. -
English Civil War
Disagreements between King Charles I and members of Parliament led to a war between supporters of the two. The war resulted in a victory for the Parliament, and Charles I was executed, and his son exiled. The war set an example that the King was no longer able to rule without input from the Parliament. -
Habeas Corpus act of 1679
The Habeus Corpus act of parliament required that a court would determine the lawfulness and necessity of one's imprisonment or punishment. This prevented the king, or any other person of power, from unlawfully sending people to jail without good reason. -
'Two Treatises of Government' is Published
John Locke anonymously publishes his 'Two Treatises of Government', which criticizes the idea of patriarchalism, or absolute power for the king. His ideas served as inspiration for many other in the future who challenged the power of the monarchy. -
Bill of Rights Enacted
Following the Glorious Revolution led by members of parliament and the future King William II, parliament passed the Bill of Rights in 1689. The act protected certain rights and liberties, and again limited the power of the monarch. Examples included the right to protest the king, removal of cruel and unusual punishment, and requiring approval from parliament to raise taxes. -
Act of Settlement
Enacted in 1701, the Act of Settlement addressed the problem of succession to the crown. The act settled the issue of who is to succeed a monarch, and included more rules regarding who can become the monarch and what they are allowed to do while on the throne.
