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Signed in order to protect the rights of barons under a tyrannical king, as the king had to abide by restrictions of power. Introduced idea that government/monarchs could be limited for the greater good of individuals. -
The English Civil War was primarily a struggle between King Charles I and Parliament over the distribution of power and authority in the realm. Charles I believed in the divine right of kings and sought to rule without significant parliamentary oversight. The conflict demonstrated the need for constitutional limitations on the monarchy to prevent the abuse of power. -
When Charles I was executed for treason and disbanding Parliament, they distinguished what was treason and how to prevent a government from doing so adding to the limited power of the English Monarchy. Following Charles I's execution, England became a Commonwealth under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. Although Cromwell's rule was at times authoritarian, it emphasized the principle of rule by law and the sovereignty of Parliament rather than absolute monarchy. -
The Stuart Restoration following the English Civil War reestablished the Monarchy with Charles II, while also restricting its power, by giving power of finances to the Parliament, while also introducing the ideas of political factions. -
James II married a Catholic family which led to fears of him imposing that religion on the People, which was supported by his appointment of Catholic officials. This led to the Glorious Revolution which culminated in his expulsion and further limits to monarchies, with the Bill of Rights. -
The English Bill of Rights, limited the Monarchy by giving sovereignty to Parliament, allowing them to act as a separate unit from the King or Queen, and enhancing the protection of rights for individuals. -
The Act of Settlement confirmed Protestant succession as well as instituted more checks and balances to the monarch by Parliament, in that the Parliament had to give permission for the monarch to act in war, and establish judicial independence.