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Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is viewed an essential part of the foundation of English government. When John I was forced to sign in 1215 it was the first time that any restrictions had been placed upon the monarchy. Though it did not serve its intended purpose of resolving the struggle between John I and his barons, the Magna Carta and its message that the people (mostly the nobility) had the right to question the king remained in English politics.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/John%2C_ -
Apology of the Commons
The Apology of the Commons was written in response to election issues and not very apologetic. It maintained that The House of Commons had complete domain over its elections. The most important part of the domcument is when it states that The House's powers were rights not graces. This revived the idea that the monarch did not have the right to take away the powers of Parliament.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/House_of_Commons.jpg -
Petition of Right
Sent to Charles I by Parliament in 1628 the Petition of Right reaffirmed the rights of Parliament and the people. This document illuminates on the fact that Parliament was not going to allow itself to be trampled on by Charles and lose its powers. It shows Parliament standing up to Charles and his ideas of absolute power.
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Execution of Charles I
The execution of Charles I proved that the English people would not tolerate absolute rule. Charles disregarded and refused to work with Parliment resulting in his fall from power and execution.His death influenced future leaders because they were aware of the fate that would meet them were they to obtain too much power according to Parliament and the people.
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The English Restoration
The English Restoration is the period when the monarchy was revived under Charles II after the Cromwell rule. Parliament declared that Charles II had been officially king since Charles I death. However he was given more restrictions (including a restating of habeas corpus )and less power than previously held by the King. This event showed that England believed that it needed a King but want Parliament to have some contol over his actions.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Char -
John Locke's Two Treatises
Published by English philosopher John Locke in 1689. Locke's treatises put into words what the country had been growing to believe for nearly 100 years, it was the people not God that gave the government power, therefore they had the right to take it away. It was the publishing of this essay that brought these ideas to the forefront of peoples minds and influenced the political decisions of the time.
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English Bill of Rights
The English Bills of Rights states the rights of citizens and subjects of the country. Most importantly, it states that the Crown must have the permission of the people through Parliament to do certian actions including levying taxes and that a subject has the right to petition the monarch. This document cements England as a limited monarchy as the monarch is held responsible for their actions by both the Parliament and the people.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/William_and_
