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1215
Magna Carta, 1215
The Magna Carta was a significant document that limited the English monarchy's rule. The document stated that citizens could not be imprisoned for any other reason other than England's law which ensured England from ever becoming an absolute monarchy. -
Jun 15, 1215
English Parliament
The English parliament was a branch of England's government that had legislative rule and the power to tax. This further limited the monarchy's range of powers and allowed for England to become a constitutional monarchy, shared power between king and parliament. -
1341
House of Commons
Lower part of the English Parliament. The upper part, the House of Lords, was controlled by the English elite and aristocrats. The House of Commons were representatives voted by the public which gave normal citizens control over their country and its rules. This representation allowed for more power within the parliament and less power to be exercised by the monarchy. -
Puritan (1642-1660) and Glorious Revolution (1688)
During these revolutions in England, the parliament declared supremacy over the monarchy. Many citizens revolted against the King and his monarchy. This action furthered limited the power of the king and increased the power of the parliament. -
Bill of Rights (1689)
The Bill of Rights declared many actions that furthered weakened the monarchy's authority. As a result, English monarchies could no longer collect taxes or create armies without the approval of the Parliament. -
Influence of John Locke (1632-1704)
The great British philosopher, John Locke, argued for the rights of man and its pursuit of liberty, life, and property. He believed that power did not come from the monarchy but rather God. His ideals greatly weakened the public's view regarding absolute power within a monarchy which furthered weakened the monarchy's influence. -
Act of Settlement (1701)
Secured the powers of the English parliament and further restricted the powers of the monarchy. Re-enforced the powers listed in the Bill of Rights in 1689