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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
This charter issued in 1215, by the English feudal barons, was the first step that lead to the rule of constitutional law in England. Traditionally, even in the feudal times, the king consulted the barons to raise taxes and ask for more men for military service. King John was very unpopular with these nobles because not only was he unsuccessful in his military endeavors abroad but also raised taxes without consent. It was the first time an English monarch faced an attempt to limit his powers. -
Petition of Rights
Parliament passed the Petition of Rights in response to King Charles I's arbitrary and autocratic rule. The document consisted of 4 principles that would restrict non-Parliamentary taxation, forced billeting of soldiers, imprisonment without cause, and the use of martial law. King Charles was forced to recognize this document which ultimately meant that he was recognizing Parliament's power in governing. -
English Civil War 1642-1646
Disputes between King Charles I and Parliament regarding taxes, religion, and foreign policies, finally lead to the English Civil War. This was significant in English history because the lords were stepping up to the king and his "absolute" rule. Parliament's victory at the end of the war resulted in the king's execution, symbolizing that the king was no longer invincible. Although it was short-lived, England also became a republic, completely abolishing the traditional monarchy. -
Execution of Charles I
King Charles I and his army of Royalists faced defeat at the end of the English Civil War in 1649. As a result, Charles I faced a consequence no other English monarch had ever faced before: public trial and execution.This was significant because one could never imagine a king to be tried by Parliament. It showed how the king could no longer get away with his autocratic position and rule. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless overthrow of King James II by a joined effort of Parliament and King William of Orange and Mary. After 7 members of Parliament invited William and Mary to overthrow James II, William led his army into London, causing James to flee the country. William and Mary's coronation was unusual because they vowed to govern with Parliament as their partner. This officially changed England into a constitutional monarchy where laws limited the ruler's powers. -
Bill of Rights
After the Glorious Revolution, Parliament drafted the Bill of Rights that laid down the limits on the powers of the monarchs. The document included specific things a ruler could not do like levying taxes without Parliament's grant and penalizing citizens for speaking out their grievances against the king. -
Act of Settlement
Not only did this document address the continuity of the Crown in the Protestant line but also restricted the powers of the monarchs thus ensuring parliamentary system of government. The fact that Parliament dismissed any chances of Roman Catholic rulers was symbolic of their increased power. Also, it reinforced the Bill of Rights, that the gov't was ruled by the Sovereign AND constitutional adivsers.
