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English Civil War (1642-1646)
The English Civil War erupted between the Roundheads, supporters of Parliament, and the Cavaliers, supporters of King Charles I. Parliament refused to allow Charles the support he wanted, and he began to raise an army after a failed invasion of Parliament to arrest certain opponents. The War shows the power struggle between the monarch and Parliament, which would continue until the Glorious Revolution. -
Execution of Charles I
The execution of Charles I led to a change in government, at least for a small amount of time. England was to be ruled as a republic, as Parliament had regained its strength and abolished the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the Anglican Church. This execution symbolized Charles' lack of complete power and dominance. -
Puritan Republic (1649-1660)
This event lead significantly to the desire of Parliament and the people to restrict the power of the monarch. Just prior to the beginning of the republic, Parliament had abolished the monarchy. Therefore, the republic was to be run by the people, but Cromwell essentially became a very controlling monarch, except he called himself "Lord Protector." Parliament was also disbanded in his rule, and after the failed change in government style, they reverted back to the monarchy. -
Test Act
The Test Act became another symbol of power struggle between the monarchy and Parliament. This time, however, Charles II was competing with Parliament over the acceptance of Catholicism in England. The Test Act was passed by Parliament after they forced him to repeal his Declaration of Indulgence. Parliament was trying to curb James II's power before he was King, and when Parliament refused to repeal it as demanded, it was disbanded, symbolizing the continuous struggle between the two sides. -
William and Mary named monarchs
When WIlliam and Mary were named the new monarchs of England in 1689, the Glorious Revolution was completed. This event shows how Parliament has gained enough power to be able to overthrow the current ruler and replace him with two monarchs who realized that they did not have supreme power over the affairs of England. They also supported the Bill of Rights. -
English Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, supported by William and Mary, and passed by Parliament in 1689, was the definitive point in the transformation of England to a limited monarchy. It stated that rulers were subject to laws and restrictions imposed by Parliament. This meant that Parliament could no longer be disbanded and that the monarchs could not act solely on their own, such as some kings did in the earlier part of the century. -
John Locke
John Locke solidified the English Bill of Rights when he published the Second Treatise on Civil Government. This document completed the transition because it informed the public that the monarch could no longer act on its own. The main idea in the Treatise is "government by the governed," which meant that the English government was largely being run by Parliament, and the monarchs had to abide by the restrictions on the monarchy.
