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Oct 14, 1066
Curis Regis Established
This was a precursor to English Parliament, and the first instance of such a thing. The monarch could convene and dismiss this group as they wished, they had absolute control over the meetings, including their duration. The monarch would discuss his policies and course of action with this group. This shows the earliest steps of the transition from Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy. -
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta is Created
This was a huge step towards a limited monarchy. It was created with the intent of making King John of England proclaim certain liberties to his people, as well as make him accept that his will was not arbitrary. For example, he could not persecute any free man for any reason, but he could only be punished through the law of the land. -
Parliament Passes Militia Ordinance
As the relationship between King Charles II and parliament deteriorated, the pariament attempted to take more power from the king, his military strength. The passed an ordinance declaring that they could raise their own army. These meassures needed, "Royal Assent" to become law however, and Charles II refused. Parliament then declared it was a law, sidestepping assent. This was the first time this had happened, and shows Parliament becoming to wield more power than the Monarchy. -
King Charles I Exectured
His execution, by order of parliament, for raising taxes, starting a civil war, and dissolving parliament showed parliaments increasing power. They had the power to order not only the monarch's removal from power, but their death as well. At this time, they also put a republic in place under Oliver Cromwell. -
Period: to
"Republic of England"
During this time period, the Absolute Monarchy government of England had been replaced with a republic, and the Anglican Church was dissolved. England became a Puritan Republic, dominated by Oliver Cromwell. This proved to be a failure though, as Cromwell's rule grew to be just as hated as his predecesor's (Charles I). This was important to the development of a Limited Monarchy because it showed that a monarchy was needed for England to survive. -
English Bill of RIghts Signed
After causing James II to flee the country, the parliament created the English Bill of Rights. This set many restrictions on the power of the Monarch. Some examples would be forbidding the monarch from creating inapropriate, extrapreliminary laws, and forbidding the monarch from being able to dissolve parliament. This document strengthed parliament, while weakening the monarchy. Suddenly the parliament did not have to answer to the Monarch. -
Robert Walpole Becomes First, "Lord of the Treasury."
This position, later known as, "Prime Minister," was the final step by England to become a Constitutional Monarchy. The king at the time was George I, and his power was very limited. He is the first ruler to hold the same relative power that the current queen holds.
