Democratic Developments in England Prologue Section 3 AND

Democratic Developments in England Prologue /Section 3 AND English Civil War (Ch. 5 Sec. 5)

Medieval Reforms l Started when feudalism ended. l Henry II, was considered one of the most gifted statesman. He created a jury trial as a means of justice. (feudal courts before) l This became common law, which became the basis of the legal system in countries. l However, by 1215 King John was overran by nobles who presented him with the Magna Carta.

Magna Carta l Is celebrated as the source of traditional respect for individual rights and liberties. l The document basically limited the power of the English monarch over the people. l Clauses of this document did a variety of things that are part of law today; due process of law.

Magana Carta (cont’d) l Two big clauses: l Clause 12: taxes “shall be levied in our kingdom by common consent of our kingdom. ” l Clause 39: “No man shall be arrested or imprisoned. . except by legal judgment of peers or by law of the land. ”

Parliament l By the mid-1300’s Parliament’s were gaining strength. l House of Commons (lower house), House of Lords (upper house) were partners with the monarch. Voted on policies, etc. l However, by the 1600’s Kings were so power hungry, they claimed the divine right. l In 1625 again there is trouble for kings.

Parliament Overthrows King l King Charles I, agreed to demands of Parliament and later broke it. (4 parts, p. 19) l Charles dismissed Parliament and was later in need of money so he called upon them. l This led to power of King Charles being reduced.

English Civil War l During the fall of 1641, Parliament passes laws to limit royal power. l King Charles I is furious, attempts to arrest leaders of Parliament. l This eventually led to the English Civil War. (1642 -1649)

English Civil War (cont’d) l War was a stalemate until 1644, Puritan general Oliver Cromwell started to have success. l The next year captured King Charles I. What follows? ? (1649) l Legacy of Cromwell short lived. l He abolished the Monarch and puts a republican form of government in place; only to overthrow it and rule as a military dictator.

Restoration and Revolution l After Cromwell died in 1658 the government he created collapsed. l King Charles II regained control, restoring the Monarchy. l Parliament passes habeas corpus, under his rein. (Good or Bad? ) l Then after his death came King James II, Catholic. PROBLEM? l Society mostly Protestant, led to? ?

Glorious Revolution l Was the turning point in English constitutional history. l This is when Constitutional Monarchy was formed. l With this in 1689 came the creation of the Bill of Rights under William and Mary. l What did this time period in English history do to help develop the Americas?