How did England become a Constitutional Monarchy Big

How did England become a Constitutional Monarchy?

Big Picture • • • Absolute monarchy-> Civil War-> Commonwealth-> Restoration (return to absolute monarchy)-> Glorious Revolution-> Constitutional monarchy

Absolute monarchy: • –Divine right –Magna Carta 1215 –Petition of Right- 1628

Civil War: • Immediate Cause: a fight over money and power in 1642

Civil War: English Civil War-- 1642 - 1649 • Teams: Royalists v. Roundheads • Long Parliament “took over” gov’t– like the Continental Congress • Oliver Cromwell led the New Model Army of professional soldiers— like George Washington

Civil War: • At York, Charles I was captured and later tried for treason and executed.

The Commonwealth • Oliver Cromwell declared Lord Protector, ruled as a dictator 1649 - 1660 – Abolished the monarchy – Abolished Parliament – The Instrument of Government- a constitution – Cultural Reformation- imposed Puritan beliefs and ideals

The Instrument of Government • Article I- The Supreme legislative authority… shall… reside in one person… the Lord Protector. • Article VIII- The Parliament to be next summoned… shall (not be)… dissolved without their own consent.

Restoration: • The Restoration: Return to Monarchy – Parliament was peacefully reestablished after the Puritan government collapsed in 1660 – Parliament asked Charles II to rule, with limited power

Charles II and James II

The Glorious Revolution • Problem: 1673 - Parliament passed the Test Act- only Protestants can hold office or serve with the military. – James II’s new baby will be a Catholic! • To prevent future religious problems, Parliament asked William and Mary to rule– if they agree to the Bill of Rights, 1689

William III and Mary II

Constitutional Monarchy • The Bill of Rights: states that PARLIAMENT is the main law making body in government! – Laws now limit the ruler’s power • no more absolute monarchy in England