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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was recognized first by King John on June 15, 1215. The Magna Carta limited the power of the Monarchy. Acknowledging the Magna Carta meant the King John of England acknowledged that his will was not law. This important for the created of the limited monarchy because it created the foundation and precedent of power in places other than the monarchy. King John's subjects as well as King John all acknowledged that the King does not have unlimited power. -
Jan 1, 1265
Parliament
This was the first time that Parliament was called (by Simon de Montfort in opposition of Henry III) and it included representatives fom the counties and towns (in addition to the nobles). The formation of the Parliament was especially important because it was the power that limited the monarch's and actually forced limitations on the monarch's power. -
Oct 22, 1534
Act of Supremacy
The Act of Supremacy declared Henry VIII "the only supreme head of the Church of England." This split solidified religious tension in England. Moving from its traditionally Catholic roots, this act exemplifies the split in religion that eventually causes tension between the people, parliament, and the monarch. -
Petition of Right
When Charles the I recognized the Petition of Right, he paved the way for the Monarchy's dependence on Parliament. The Petition of Right said that the King needed the consent of Parliament before imposing loans or taxes. This not only acknowledged Parliament's power but also gave them a way to enforce their power. -
Militia Ordinance
After Charles I invaded Parliament, returned to London, and started raising and army, Parliament decided to pass the Militia Ordinance. This gave parliament the authority to rase an army. This act increased Parliament's power and allowed them to directly address the King's misdeeds. Parliament no longer had to pass laws, they could turn to the military to fight the king, which they did during the next four years. The militia ordinance made the English Civil War possible. -
Excecution of Charles I and Cromwell's Dominance
After Charles I was executed, Parliament got rid of the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the Anglican Church. Cromwell came to power as the Lord Protector and disbanded the Parliament. England became a purely Puritan country and people were not happy. Because of England's unsuccessful time period without monarchy, the idea that a monarchy of some sort, limited or not, became more likely. This was even more true when the king was the charismatic Charles II. -
End of the Glorious Revolution
At the end of the Glorious Revolution William and Mary recognized the Bill of Rights which officially limited the rights of the monarchy which ascertained the England would have a limited monarchy.
