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Creation of the Nominated Assembly
Unsure of the next step after dissolving the Rump, Cromwell listened suggestion made by Colonel Harrison who called for a government based upon the Old Testament Sanhedrin of 70 selected "Saints". Harrison's proposal was influenced by his Fifth Monarchist belief that the rule of the Saints would be a prelude to the reign of Christ on Earth. -
Met in July 1653
With some modifications, Harrison's idea was used by Oliver Cromwell - members of the new Assembly were to be nominated by the committee of four officers (which included Cromwell) and Independent Churches.
The Nominated Assembly first met on 4 July 1653. During its brief life the Assembly tended to polarise between moderate members and radicals. -
Proposed reforms
A number of moderate and relatively progressive reforms were enacted as follows:
1) The war with Dutch to be continued as the members of Assembly were well aware of the need to secure trade routes
2) Legal measures to help debtors were introduced
3) Civil marriages were allowed, officiated by JPs -
Dissolution - December 1653
The Assembly did include increasingly radical minority of Fifth Monarchists whose schemes for godly government frightened more moderate members.
As a result, after suggestion to abolish tithe was made, moderate members in absence of radicals voted to dissolve the Assembly.
Basically they handed their powers to Cromwell.
Three days later Colonel Lambert produced Instrument of Government, constitutional document that established the Protectorate. -
Instrument of Government
The Instrument of Government served as a constitutional basis of Cromwell’s power.
It stated that the Lord Protector would be supported by a single-chambered parliament. Parliaments were to be elected every three years by voters with at least £200 of personal property and they would sit for a minimum of five months.
Freedom of worship was granted for all, except Catholics.
Cromwell also would remain head of the New Model Army.