The Steps to England's Status as a Limited Monarchy

By victoriad09
  • James VI becomes James I, King of England

    James VI becomes James I, King of England

    James VI succeeds Elizabeth I to become James I of England. He wants to rule with no consultation and meet with Parliament rarely, as well as maintain angelicasm as the national religion, raising tensions between Parliament and the monarchy.
  • Petition of Right

    Petition of Right

    Parliament says they will only grant new funds if King Charles I recognized this petition. The petition had requirements including that there could be no forced taxation without Parliamentary consent. Charles agreed, but dissolved Parliament the next year. This attempts to limit the monarchy, but fails.
  • The Militia Ordinance

    The Militia Ordinance

    After Charles I invades Parliament, the House of Commons allows Parliament to raise an army with this ordinance. This limits the monarchy, giving Parliament more power.
  • Cromwell becomes 'Lord Protector'

    Cromwell becomes 'Lord Protector'

    After leading armies in the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell disbands Parliament and takes over as 'Lord Protector' in a military dictatorship. This limits Parliament, getting England closer to an absolute monarchy.
  • The Declaration of Indulgence and The Test Act

    The Declaration of Indulgence and The Test Act

    King Charles II passes the Declaration of Indulgence, lifting laws against non-Anglicans, to persuade the English to back his war. In response, Parliament passes the Test Act, which required all government related officials to swear an oath impossible for Roman Catholics to do honestly. Parliament's actions make England closer to a limited monarchy by stopping some of King Charles' power.
  • The Glorious Revolution Begins

    The Glorious Revolution Begins

    King James II becomes King and demands a repeal of the Test Act, then dissolves Parliament. He issues a new Declaration of Indulgence which permits free worship and suspends religious tests. In 1688, after William of Orange arrives with an army, James flees and Parliament makes William III and Mary III the new monarchs in 1689, ending the Glorious Revolution. King James makes England closer to an absolute monarchy, but he is stopped.
  • English Bill of Rights

    English Bill of Rights

    William III and Mary III recognize a Bill of Rights that guarantees English citizens civil liberties and subjects English monarchs to the rule of law. Parliament is called into session every 3 years, and the monarchs rule by Parliament's consent. This makes England officially a limited monarchy.