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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta Singing
The Magna Carta was one of the first of its kind. It ceded some powers away from the English Monarchy to the common people. This was a precursor to the English Bill of Rights and outlined the relationship between the king and his nobles. The Magna Carta was the first step in limiting the power of the monarchy. It would later be followed by the Petition of Right and the English Bill of Rights. -
Petition of Right
Parliament passed the Petition of Right in both houses to curtail the power of the monarchy. They wanted not person to be compelled to give a gift, loan, or tax without an act passed in parliament, guaranteeing of due process, limits on detaining individuals unless cause has been demonstrated, and restrictions on soldiers staying in private homes. This was in direct response to Charles I and has been compared to the same regard as the Magna Carta and Bill of Rights. -
The Long Parliament
The "Long Parliament" meet to once again restrict the powers of the Monarchy. The abolished royal courts deeming them unfair and impeached some members they deemed treasonous. They passed limits to restrict how much control a king could have over parliament. -
English Civil War Begins
The power of Parliament and the people increased during and after the English Civil War. The execution of Charles I, Parliament's ability to raise an army, and the transition into a republic following the civil war all demonstrated actions that resulting in limiting the English Monarchy's power. -
Execution of Charles I
The executing of Charles I during the English Civil war assisted in restoring some power back to Parliament and limiting the power of the English Monarchy. Many Englishmen saw Charles as unfit to rule because of his attempts to quell to power of Parliament. During his rule he arrested members of the House of Commons, had troops march into the Parliament, and recalled Parliament. This execution asserted the purpose and power of England's legislative body. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution took place from 1688-1689. This "revolution" removed King James II and instituted Mary and William of Orange as the reigning monarchs of England. William and Mary gave more power to the Parliament and agreed to the English Bill of Rights. Many saw James II overstepping his power during his reign. The Scottish and English Parliaments were disbanded in 1685 and James II practiced Catholicism. The Glorious Revolution sought to restore power to Parliament and limit power. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights laid out 13 articles of specific freedoms. It lifted the power of Parliament, guaranteeing them the freedom to elect their own members, freedom of speech, the ability to petition the king, and the right to bear arms. This document allowed Parliament to have greater freedom to operate without interference from the monarchs. This was a major stepping stone in the creation of a limited monarchy, the document removes some powers of the king and returns them to the people.