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Jun 12, 1215
Magna Carta
In 1215, after failing to stop a powerful rebellion by nobles, King John was forced to sign a rudimentary charter of liberties. After negotiations between the King and the victorious nobles, the Magna Carta emerged, England's first step towards limiting the monarchy. This reduced the king's absolute control over taxes, as well as establishing that the king's subjects were only punishable by official laws, not by the king's will. -
Petition of Right
In an attempt to reaffirm and update the Magna Carta, the House of Commons and the House of Lords created this petition of rights. Because of disagreement between Parliament and Charles I over the conduct of the Thirty Years War (controversies of housing soldiers, imprisoning without a cause), Parliament refused to provide funds until Charles had approved their reforms. Though he was reluctant, Charles eventually signed the petition, officiating habeas corpus. -
Outbreak of the English Civil War
Ever since its conception, Parliament had primarily been a advisorary committee to the monarch, subject completely to their will. Many of the English people's grievances were not addressed, a conflict of interest that prevailed even during Charles I's rule. As the monarch controlled the national army, the 1640s parliament's ability to even conduct and eventually win a war against their monarch was impressive. -
Execution of Charles I
That Charles I was tried in court was in itself controversial, for Kings had historically been murdered, but never subject to the court of law. This trial therefore represented a progression towards increased legislative power, which would eventually be controlled by Parliament. His actual execution was also a declaration of the power of the common man, as the King was seen as God's servant. -
Passage of the Test Act
As it required all civil and military officers to swear against the fundamental Catholic doctrine of transubstatiation, the 1673 test act prevented any Catholic English monarchs. This limitation was particularly important upon James II's rise to power, for his Catholicism became a justification for the English people to appeal for William of Orange's invasion, and ultimatly overthrow of the absolute monarchy. -
The Glorious Revolution
After executing one king, the English people later disposed of another--King James II. Their appeal to William of Orange to invade their country and seize the throne demonstrates the desperation to limit the monarch. Furthermore, William and Mary's ascent to power symbolizes the end of absolute monarchs in England, reinforced by their calling of Parliament to elect them to power. -
English Bill of Rights
As an updated version of the Magna Carta and the Petition of Right, the Bill of Rights was a true mark of Parliamentary power. William and Mary signed the document in exchange for the English crown, though their new power was severely limited by this document. It prevented the monarch from intervening in matters of law, taxation, petitions, freedom of speech, the people's right to bear arms or from instigating cruel punishments. Thus the people's rights were protected, and the monarch limited.
