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James I Scandalous and Corrupt Rule
James I rule was extremely scandalous in that James would basically sell the high government positions to the highest bidder. This would significantly over power the monarchy, which would being the slow but sure backlash of the English Parliament. -
Charles I dissolves parliament for 12 years 1628-1640
Charles dissolved parliament in 1628 after gaining the necessary funds for his war with Spain. Parliament would grow more and more wary of the King over the 12 years up until 1640 where Charles would be forced to reconvene it for more funds for a new war with Scotland. This would lead to Parliament passing new law that demanded Parliament convene at least once every 3 years, which meant that Parliament would have some guaranteed power. -
The Long Parliament 1640- 1660
The long parliament was one of the first major English Government reforms. During this time, Parliament dissolved the courts that were enforcing overly strict religious policy harshly, prohibited unsanctioned taxes, and passed a law requiring parliament to convene at least once every 3 years. These were all measures in which Parliament granted itself more power over the monarchy. -
Restoration of the Monarchy under Charles II 1660
Charles attacked parliament to arrest his political enemies and failed, so he retreated to raise an army. For four years, Charles and Parliament would conflict. Parliament was ultimately victorious due to its alliance with Scotland and its reorganization under Cromwell. The victory was hollow due to Charles II political finesse, and he was able to reestablish the monarchy less powerful than before the Civil War. -
Passing of the Test Act 1672
The Test act would force anyone in England with any sort of power to renounce a belief that was central in the Catholic denomination, thus diminishing the power of Catholics and also asserting power of Parliament over the monarchy by using the power of the purse to blackmail the monarchy. -
James II Succession to the Throne and the Birth of His Son 1685-1688
James II succession to throne would result in the rescinding of the test act, the dissolving of Parliament, and the declaration of indulgence all of which would push Parliament to the edge. Ultimately though, they would have been okay to let the throne be passed on to his eldest daughter, Mary, who was protestant, but James II had a son who the throne would now be passed to. This would push Parliament to the breaking point of establishing power over the monarchy. -
Glorious Revolution 1688
In 1688, Parliament, as a result of the new heir to the English throne, invited William of Orange and his army to take over England and offered him the throne provided he consented to a monarchy with many restrictions. The monarchs would rule at the consent of parliament and would be subject to the laws of the land like the rest of the English upper class. Thus began the limited monarchy that England has today.
