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1215
The Creation of the First English Parliament
The first English Parliament was created with the signing of the Magna Carta, which gave wealthy landowners the ability to serve as consultants on the king's Great Council. This began the division of power between the monarchy and the people in the form of an assembly that would grow to become more representative of the general populace in later years.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta -
1295
The First Representative Parliament
King Edward I called the first "model" Parliament to impose taxes on English citizens in order to fund future wars. This Parliament consisted of representatives from the clergy, aristocracies, and even commoners. This was the beginning of the Parliament's purpose to represent the people of England in government and not just the wealthiest individuals.
Image source: https://www.timewisetraveller.co.uk/modelparliament.html -
1362
Statute Passed Stating Parliament Must Approve All Taxation
During the later Middle Ages, Parliament began to exercise more authority. This is exemplified in its passing of a decree that stated Parliament must approve all taxation. This forced monarchs to have to go through Parliament before implementing taxes, which were connected to all forms of government. Parliament was gaining more power over the king.
Image source: https://spartacus-educational.com/EXnormans23.htm -
1414
Henry V Acknowledges the Requirement of Parliament's Approval to Make Laws
When Henry V assumed the throne, he became the first king to acknowledge that Parliament's approval was required to make laws. This created a system of government in which future kings would be required to cooperate with Parliament in passing legislation. Parliament, again, was gaining more power over the king.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_V_of_England -
Presentation of the Grand Remonstrance
During the rule of King Charles I, Parliament drafted a list of grievances called the Grand Remonstrance protesting the king's actions, including his attempts to override Parliament in the election of officials and impose unlawful taxation to support the Thirty Years' War. This list set apart supporters of Parliament and supporters of the king.
Image source: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/grand-remonstrance-state-kingdom-510395155 -
English Civil War
The English Civil War began shortly after the presentation of the Grand Remonstrance, which inspired King Charles to invade Parliament. Supporters of the Parliament ("Roundheads") and supporters of the king ("Cavaliers") fought to establish their camp's authority over the other. The war left England, Scotland, and Ireland without a monarch, giving Parliament chief authority in England for a short period of time.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Civil_War#Aftermath -
English Monarchy Abolished
The House of Commons abolished the English monarchy in 1649 shortly after the end of the Civil War in 1646 and England was declared a commonwealth. Although the monarchy was reestablished in 1660 with the rise of Charles II, Parliament had more than enough authority to rival the king at the end of the war and following Charles II's rule.
