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Petition of Right
This was a act that put restrictions on the monarch's power with policies such as no forced taxes without the consent of the Parliament. This event contributed to a limited monarchy in England because Charles I could not exercise absolute power, and had to follow this act as constructed by Parliament. Although he only obeyed it for a year, this act demonstrated the power that Parliament could have over the monarchy. -
The Long Parliament (1640-1660)
The Long Parliament was the period of time Parliament was reinstated in response to Charles I not being able to secure the necessary funds to suppress the rebellion in Scotland. This contributed to a limited monarchy in England because Parliament was given more responsibility as a result of Charles I and his failed attempt to ignore Parliament. -
The English Civil War (1642-1651)
These civil wars were fought over the controversial issue of whether Parliament or Charles I should be commander in chief of English armed forces, with Parliament being victorious. This was significant because Parliament had proved its authority and influence over England, with it becoming a precedent for how England would be ruled nearly 50 years later. -
Test Act
This act was passed in order to prohibit all persons filling an office, whether they be civilly or military, from taking part or believing in transubstantiation. This contributed to a limited monarchy because the act ensured that rulers or nobility hoping to obtain political power were Protestant, which means they were loyal to Parliament, and wouldn't rely on Catholic allies in order to rule. -
Declaration of Indulgence
This granted religious freedoms for Catholics and various Protestants alike, by suspending penal laws that forced people to follow the practices of the Church of England. However, this did not bode well with Parliament members, who thought that this undermined the power of Parliament. Furthermore, it gave momentum for the replacement of James II in 1688 and thus a limited monarchy in England. -
The Trial of the Seven Bishops
This trial took place because seven bishops opposed the Declaration of Indulgence passed by James II. The outcome of the trial was that these bishops were declared not guilty. This event was important in the development of limited monarchy in England because it emphasized that absolute power wasn't tolerable through the outcome of the trial, and showed that England would not withstand direct royal attacks on local authorities. -
Glorious Revolution
This event was the replacement of King James II of England by William of Orange and Mary II as English monarchs. This contributed to a limited monarchy in England because in order to become monarchs of the country, they had to accept the Bill of Rights of 1689, which limited monarch power and made it so that future English monarchs would rule by the consent of Parliament.
