Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

Magna Carta signed

Jun 1, 1215

The Magna Carta was a document signed between English leading noblemen and King John. The noblemen were concerned about the King's power over England and came up with the Magna Carta to prevent the king form abusing his power. The document declared that the King would rule his subjects by feudal law. Noblemen were not only willing to approach the King about a reduction of power, but they convinced him to sign the bill, leading to a reduction of power at a very early age.

Provisions of Oxford

Jun 23, 1258

A meeting in Oxford of the so called Parliament drafted the Provisions of Oxford. This called for the a regular Parliament with 15 representatives from the counties who would advise the King. Representatives is a big step in the limitation of monarchial power because it introduced the idea of representaitves of the people and people from different areas coming together to lead.

English Civil War

Oct 23, 1642

Parliament seized control of the army when King Charles attempted to arrest opposition members. Parliament felt King Charles was excersizing too much power and refusing to work with Congress on matters he had no power over. They responded with force, as did Charles, until Parliament eventually won in 1649.

English Civil War

Oct 23, 1642

King Charle's Death

Jan 30, 1649

After Parliament order King Charle's death on charges of treason, England became a republic. While this form of government did not last that long, it was still a huge development for the country.

The Declaration of Rights

Oct 23, 1689

This Bill established the rights and powers of Parliament, as well as a few rights for the people. While other countries were controlled by absolute monarchies, even arbitrary governments, Great Britain was taking steps toward a country better suited to not just nobles, but all citizens. This step forward did not take place under King James II's reign. In fact, he fled to France as William and Mary took over the kingdom. The Bill was created as a condition of the couples' reign over England.

John Locke's Englightenment

Dec 23, 1689

This concept of the "consent of the governed" came into popular view after the Glorious Revolution. During the Glorious Revolution, Parliament served the wealthy, and actually gained a great deal of poewr during the Glorious Revlution. However, it was not until John Locke's ideas of a government ruled by the people that Parliament would begin to guarantee individual rights and create modern democracy.