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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is often thought of as one of the most important documents regarding the birth of Democracy. King John of England was forced to sign it after political upheaval. It basically states that even the king is subject to the laws of the land and granted people basic rights and liberties.
This event marks the begining of England's journey towards a limited Monarchy because it is the first document officially limiting the power of the monarch.
Image:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_C -
Dec 14, 1264
Simon De Montfort's Second Parliament
Montfort's Parliament is widely considered to be the first gathering of Parliament in English history. He summoned magnates, bishops, knights, and citizens that were elected from their respective counties.
This is significant because it set the precident for the House of Commons and was far more democratic than previous systems.
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_de_Montfort,_6th_Earl_of_Leicester#mediaviewer/File:Simon_Leicester.jpg -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was drafted by Parliament after King Charles I disbanded it. The document claimed that the king was not above the law and that the people were subjects of the law, not the king. It cited the Magna Carta and complained about Charles' many violations of the rights of Englishmen.
The presenting of this document was so important because it showed Parliament's attempt to curb the rash actions of the king.
Image: http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-resources/ame -
The Militia Ordinance
This bill was passed through Parliament after Charles I asked for funds to raise an army and quell the Irish Uprising. Parliament did not trust the King with the military, so this bill was their attempt to raise and control their own forces.
This bill catapulted England onto the path of limited monarchy because it provided the Roundheads with the forces they needed to depose and behead Charles I, actually controlling their monarch.
Image: http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-reso -
Cromwell's Puritan Republic
Oliver Cromwell assumed control of Englad as 'Lord Proctor" after the excecution of Charles I. Although he made many progressive steps, such as abolishing the monarchy, the English Church, and the House of Lords, he ended up being nothing more than a military dictator.
His rise to power illustrates the weakening power of monarchs in England.
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell#mediaviewer/File:Oliver_Cromwell_by_Samuel_Cooper.jpg -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was another example of the Parliament excercising its power over the monarchs. James II was the reigning king, but due to his pro-Catholic policies was distrusted by many. Parliament invited William III of Orange and his wife Mary (the daughter of James II) to invade England and take the crown.
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glorious_Revolution#mediaviewer/File:William_III_Landing_at_Brixham,_Torbay,_5_November_1688.jpg -
English Bill of Rights
The new monarchs, William and Mary, were recognized on the condition that they accept a Bill of Rights. This progressive document (except for that it barred Catholics from ruling and other rights) subjected rulers to the laws of the land and allowed for religious toleration and other basic rights. This forever solidified the limited monarchy in England.
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_Rights_1689#mediaviewer/File:English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689.jpg
