Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

This document was written by King John's subjects, who forced him to sign it. This event was the first major challenge to the monarchy's absolute rule and established the idea that the king does not have arbitrary power, is not above the law, and that all English people had rights that could not be taken away or violated. This marked the first of many challenges to absolute royal power.

Petition of Right

Jun 7, 1628

This is a major English constitutional document that enumerates rights that a king is prohibited from violated. It was written by Parliament and was an objection to Charles I overstepping his boundaries and becoming too powerful. Parliament refused to pay for Charles’ unpopular foreign policy. The Petition of Right stated enumerated rights, which was a major stepping stone in the formation and protection of civil rights and limiting the power of the king.

English Civil War

Jan 1, 1642

The English Civil War was fought during Charles I's reign. It was a conflict between the Parliamentarians (also called roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers), led by King Charles I. In 1651 with Parliamentarians won and England became a republican Commonwealth under Cromwell. This event was a major victory for the increase in Parliament's power over the monarchy and made England’s monarchy increasingly more limited.

Charles I's execution

Jan 30, 1649

The execution proved that the king didn't rule by divine right and that he had to abide by the Constitution. It was the first time that an English Monarch and about 1500 years of the Monarchy itself was halted, and it ushered in an era of republican rule, ruled over by the equally hated Cromwell and then his son.

Creation of Puritan Republic

Jan 31, 1649

The Puritan Republic, led by Oliver Cromwell, was a short period where England was under a Republic form of government. Eventually, it failed, but it also showed that England was moving away from an absolute monarchy and toward a limited monarchy. 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

The Glorious Revolution occurred when King James II of England with limited help from Parliament. Parliament invited Protestant William of Orange, who opposed absolutism, to take over England and seize the throne. This created a better relationship between monarchy and Parliament, which allowed for greater freedom and liberty in England. This shows movement towards a limited monarchy because Parliament wanted a leader who was against absolute power.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

Parliament passed the English Bill of Rights, signed by William and Mary in 1689. It declared that Parliament was superior the King in terms of power, and laid out the specific liberties subjects should have and limitations rulers should have. For example, it addresses freedom of speech and right to petition the monarch without punishment. This bill solidified a limited monarchy and the limited power of the monarch.