English System of Government Timeline

Magna Carta

1215

The first English Parliament was convened in 1215, with the creation and signing of the Magna Carta, which established the rights of barons (wealthy landowners) to serve as consultants to the king on governmental matters in his Great Council.

Richard II Desposed

Sep 29, 1399

Parliament began to take on more authority within the English government. In 1362 it passed a statute decreeing that Parliament must approve all taxation. Fourteen years later, the House of Commons tried and impeached a number of the king’s advisors. In 1399, after years of internal struggle for power between the monarchy and Parliament, the legislative body voted to depose King Richard II, enabling Henry IV to assume the throne.

King Charles' marriage to Henrietta Maria of France

1625

Religion was a major cause of the English Civil War. At the start of his reign King Charles I married Roman Catholic Henrietta Maria of France. Included in her marriage treaty were provisions that she be allowed to practice her religion freely at Court. It was also made a condition of the treaty that King Charles I set about lifting restrictions for recusants. The marriage was not a popular one. At this time Roman Catholics were distrusted and feared.

Charles I excecution

1649

For much of the 17th century, the United Kingdom experienced a great deal of change and political turmoil. The one constant was Parliament. From 1603 to 1660, the country was mired in a drawn-out civil war and, for a time, military leader Oliver Cromwell assumed power under the title Lord Protector. Ruling monarch at the time, Charles I, was executed in 1649.

Abolishment of the Monarchy and then the restoration of the Throne

1649

In 1649, the House of Commons abolished the monarchy and declared England a commonwealth. Four years later, Cromwell disbanded the parliament and created the Nominated Assembly, a de facto legislature. After Cromwell's death he was replaced by his son Richard, who was deposed of a year later, and Britain’s government collapsed. Charles I’s son, Charles II, was restored to the throne in 1660, reaffirming the monarchy’s place in British history.

Disposal of James II

1689

Charles II and his brother, maintained a similar relationship with the legislature as their father. When Parliament passed the “Test Act,” the legislature was at odds with King James II. After years of political in-fighting during the Glorious Revolution, Parliament deposed of James II and his daughter Mary ascended to the throne. Parliament was elevated to having law-making powers. When Mary died, the legislature established new protocols for succession, naming George of Hanover king.

Two Treatises of Government

Dec 1, 1689

According to Locke, the main purpose of government is to protect those natural rights that the individual cannot effectively protect in a state of nature. Published anonymously shortly after the Glorious Revolution which disposed King James II. The book served two purposes, to challenge common notions, and to introduce people to a broader thinking on governmental rule.