-
Jun 15, 1215
Creation of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England at Runnymede, stood on the principle that no man is above the law. Prior to its creation, the king was exempt from the laws imposed upon the people. Written by King John's subjects, the Magna Carta established that no matter social status, one always had to obey the law. -
Dec 14, 1241
Parliament Established
The Parliament began being carried out in the Palace of Westminster starting from Dec. 14, 1241. The Parliament, made of lords and barons, were elected by their peers. Each elected official represented a county or city in England. Although there still was no universal suffrage, the Parliament did limit the power of the British monarchy. -
Passing of Petition of Right
Dissatisfied with King Charles I's abuse of power and indifference to Parliament, the Parliament passed the Petition of Right. The Petition of Right limited the King's power in that he could not have the right of taxation without the approval of the Parliament. Moreover, the Parliament also limited the King's power over the military, and endocrine the policy of "innocent until proven guilty". -
Beginning of the English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of conflicts between Royalists and Parliamentarians. While the Royalists, who supported King Charles I, claimed rule by absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings, Parliamentarians fought for the limited power of the King through the Parliament. When Charles I asked Parliament for money to fund the war, Parliament refused. As a result of Charles I's absolutism, England was split. -
Execution of Charles I
The British Civil War was an reaction towards the absolutism of the King Charles I's reign. At the end of the war, the High Court of Justice declared Charles I guilty of attempting to "uphold in himself an unlimited and tyrannical power to rule according to his will, and to overthrow the rights and liberties of the people". As a result, he was executed publicly. Prior to the creation of the Parliament, Charles I would have been able to rule absolutely. However, he was limited by the Parliament. -
Beginning of the Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was the bloodless revolution that overthrew King James II. The Catholic King James II was overthrown by the Parliament and its supporters, being replaced by the limited monarchs William and Mary. was a violent-free revolution that showed how Parliament was supreme and returned its power. As a result, more toleration was granted towards the Protestant. The event brought a permanent realignment of power within the English constitution -
Passing of the English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was an act signed into law in 1689 by William III and Mary II, who became co-rulers in England after the overthrow of King James II. The bill outlined specific constitutional and civil rights, ultimately gave Parliament power over the monarchy.
