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In 1215, the Magna Carta was signed in England. Arguably the first of its kind, the Magna Carta detailed the limiting of absolute power and established the principle that the monarchy was subject to the law, laying the groundwork for limited monarchy. -
The English Civil War was one of the most influential events in English history. As a conflict between the monarchy and Parliament, it ultimately resulted in King Charles I's execution and the temporary establishment of a republic. All in all, the English Civil War proved that not even the monarchy was above the law/parliament, and therefore, was limited. -
After the English Civil War, England was united under a republic called the Commonwealth, run by Oliver Cromwell. Just 11 years later, the Commonwealth was abolished, but it established a system of government focused on power by the people which would have a lasting legacy. -
After the Commonwealth ended, England made the choice to restore the monarchy under the rule of King Charles II. However, it came with limited monarchy for the king. An example of this can be found in the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679. Overall, the Restoration laid the framework for limited monarchy for years to come. -
After the overthrow of King James II cemented the idea of constitutional monarchy, William of Orange and Mary II ascended the throne, eventually leading to the Bill of Rights. -
In 1689, the Bill of Rights was passed, which detailed the foundation for parliamentary supremacy over the crown and protected the rights of citizens against the monarchy. -
In 1707, England and Scotland were united under Queen Anne's reign, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain, which helped to solidify the limited constitutional monarchy with its new precedent.