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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, signed on June 15, 1215, was the first action taken against the ultimate power of the King. The Magna Carta stated that the King must follow the laws that the citizens live under, while also protecting individuals from feudal abuse. The Magna Carta provided England with its first ever outline for democracy. -
Jan 1, 1241
Birth of Parliment
Parliment was originally created by King Henry III out of everyday use. It consisted of his regular group of nobles that advised King Henry III in making political and economic decisions. Parliment went through rapid growth over time and then became that legislating body of England. -
The Petition of Rights
The Petition of Rights was sent by Parliment to King Charles I and cited a number of laws that Charles I had broken. The petition asked for four measures to be taken: "no taxation with the consent of Parliment, no imprisonment without cause, no quartering of soldiers, and no marial law during peacetime." Charles was forced to accept these terms, awhich is another example of Parliment ensuring the rights of individuals, -
Lord Protector
After Charles I was executed in 1649 for invading Parliment with an army and the English Civil War resulted in the Roundheads (Parliment) prevailing over the Cavaliers (Monarchy), Oliver Cromwell, leader of the Parlimentary forces in the war served as the Lord Protector for the Commonwealth of England. During this time, the monarchy was not present and Parliment was able to gain power. -
The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was the bloodless revolution in England that resulted in the overthrowing of King James II and the dominion of William and Mary. William and Mary allowed Parliment to have more control over legislation that the monarch, thus leading Britain down the path of constitutional monarchy. -
John Locke
John Locke was an English philosopher, largely responsible for the Constitution of the United States. In England, he published Two Treatises of Government, which was a work or political philosophy that argued for the power of individuals over the power of the state and for inalienable natural rights. Locke's works caused many people to believe in democracy, which counteracted the monarchy. -
The Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an act by Parliment that asserted to the English citizens that they had certain civil, political, and social rights that could not be taken away from them. These rights included, but were not limited to freedom of speech in Parliment, no cruel or unusal punishment and right to bear arms. Catholis were however excluded from some of these rights. The Bill of Rights further limited the power of the monarchy, as certain rights of individuals was now in writing.
