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Petition of Right (Passed)
This document outlines the wrongs the crown had imposed on the people and how they needed to be corrected. It gives the subjects of the king rights that he cannot infringe upon. Parliament basically forced King Charles I to accept the document and he ratified it. It was the first time Parliament had a major hand over a king. -
Triennial Act of the Long Parliament
The act required Parliament to meet for at least 50 days every 3 years. It was an early action against kings, who would take too much power when the representative government was not in session. -
Rye House Plot
A conspriacy to oragnize the assasination of Charles II and James II made by Protestant leaders, this plot was foiled when the king changed his scheduled at a very short notice. This is an early sign of opposition to the crown and the strong resentment of the Roman Catholic ideals of the Stuarts. -
Second Declaration of Indulgence of King James II
Intended to increase religious tolerance and win James II more favor, the first Declaration had the opposite effect. It rearranged the social structure of British government, reserving positions of power for Roman Catholics. In a vain attempt to reestablish favor, he reissued the statement and order bishops to read it. The seven bishops petitioned and refused. James II's reign was on a quick downward spiral, opening the way for Parliament to gain more control. -
Convention Parliament (William III takes power)
This meeting of the British government pulled James II from power and handed the crown to William III and Mary II. This Parliament also drafted the Declaration of Right, which justified their actions and secured freedoms for the Protestant faith. It was under William and Mary that the new government would evolve and flourish. -
Two Treasties of Government
John Locke published this work opposing the divine right of kings. He argued that monarchy would be the downfall of society. He also outlines his social contract theory, which tells his belief that men have the right to choose how they should be governed. -
The English Bill of Rights Passed by Parliament
This act limits the powers of the crown. It provided more power to Parliament and gave representatives in Parliament the freedom of speech, which also allowed the government to oppose the monarch when they would see fit. It forbade a standing army and royal interference in elections of representatives in government.
