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The Magna Carta was first issued on June 6, 1215. It was the very first principle that stated "the king and his government was not above the law." It was made in attempts to prevent the king from exploiting his position, placing "limits on royal authority." King John sealed his agreement to the Magna Carta to avoid entering a civil war. Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta_-_colophon_-_Pickering_1540-1.png -
The first English Parliament was established in 1241, consisting of the "House of Commons," and "House of Lords." The parliament was a strong force in limiting the power of the British monarchy, as the "advisors," to the king would eventually be the ones who turn on him and "challenge his power." Image credits:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anonymous_-_View_of_the_Higher_House_of_Parliament_in_England_-_B1977.14.22554_-_Yale_Center_for_British_Art.jpg -
Parliament passed the Petition of Right on May 1, 1628, as a way to prevent King Charles I from implementing any further taxes on the England citizens. King Charles I was a notorious abuser of his power, so this petition would limit any harsh monarchical rule he imposed over his people. Additionally, Parliament garnered more power to limit the King's power, which led to the development of a limited monarchy. Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charles_I_(van_Dyck).jpg -
The English Civil War began on August 22, 1642. It was a series of conflicts between a group named the Royalists and a group named Parliamentarians. The Royalists supported an absolute monarchy, while the Parliamentarians supported the idea that the king's power should be limited. As a result of the war, England was then split down the middle. Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Naseby.jpg -
As a result of the English Civil War and a Parliamentarian victory, King Charles I was declared guilty of "...attempting to uphold in himself an unlimited and tyrannical power to rule according to his will, and to overthrow the rights and liberties of the people." He was then executed in front of the public. This was another successful stride in limiting the monarchy. Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charles_I_Wellcome_V0048349.jpg -
The Glorious Revolution was a revolution that overthrew tyrannical ruler King James II. Parliament overthrew the Catholic king and replaced him with "limited monarchs William III and Mary II. Their policies led to a more friendly connection between monarchy and Parliament. This then was accompanied by a more limited monarchical agenda for the future of England. Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_III_and_Mary_II.jpg -
The English Bill of Rights was signed into law on December 16, 1689. New rulers, William III and Mary II signed it into law. The bill described constitutional rights for the England citizens. Additionally, it essentially "gave the Parliament power over the monarchy." Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689_(top).jpg
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