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Apology of the Commons (The Form of Apology and Satisfaction)
This document that asserted parliamentary rights. The Commons insisted that they were the sole judge of their own actions and their priveleges were of right, not of grace. It was influential because they blocked the union of England and Scotland as James I sought. Parlaiment held power and was ready to make it know. Also, they gained the right for to discuss foreign policy. Image Source -
Petition of Right
This set our specific liberties of the subjects that the king is prohibited from infringing. It significantly expanded the recognized rights of Englishmen and the power of Parliament when it confirmed habeas corpus and only Parliament has the power to levy taxes. Image Source -
Long Parliament
The actions taken during its first months remained, meaning that Parliament's power was increasing. Some of the things that persisted were the establishement of habeas corpus, prohibition of taxations without parliamentary consent, and abolition of the royal courts. Image Source -
Execution of Charles I
When Charles I was defeated in the First Civil War, Parliament expected him to accept its demands for a constitutional monrchy. He remained defiant and when he was executed, the monarchy was abolished for a republic. Even though the Restoration was to come, it revealed the unacceptance the people had for the king's abosolute control. Image Source -
Oliver Cromwell's rule and revolution
After his rule, the tone and balance of political relations changed for good. From then on, the gentry could no longer be denied a decisive vote in politics. The genry and Parliament gained a more central role. Image Source -
The Glorious Revolution
This began the modern English parliamentary democracy. Since this event, never has the monarch held absolute power. The people would no longer settle for have such little influence. The Bill of Rights, one result, became one of the most important documents in the political history of Britain. Image Source -
Bill of Rights
This document enumerates certain rights to which subjects of a constitutional monarchy were thought to be entitled to in the late 17th century. It sets out certain costitutional requirements of the Crown to seek the consent of the people (as represented in Parliament). Parliament now had the power to control some of what the king could do, and thus the monarchy was limited. Image Source
