England Becomes A Limited Monarchy In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Magna Carta Constitutional Monarchy The Bill of Rights of 1689 John Locke E. Napp

Unlike the monarchs of France and Russia, England’s monarchs were never able to secure absolute rule. E. Napp

The Magna Carta In 1215, English nobles forced the king to sign the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta was a document that limited the power of England’s monarchs. This document guaranteed that Englishmen could not be fined or imprisoned except according to the laws of the land. E. Napp

English nobles forced the King to sign the Magna Carta. This document limited the king’s power. E. Napp

Parliament Parliament was established as a legislative body. It claimed the right to approve taxes. By establishing a Parliament with the right to approve taxes, the power of England’s monarchs was limited. E. Napp

England’s Parliament is a legislative body. E. Napp

A Constitutional Monarchy England became a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a system of government where power is shared between the king and Parliament. The monarch does not have absolute power. E. Napp

A constitutional monarchy is a system of government in which subjects enjoy basic rights and political power is shared between a king and a Parliament. E. Napp

During the Puritan Revolution (1642-1660) and the Glorious Revolution (1688), Parliament established its supremacy over the king. E. Napp

The Bill of Rights of 1689 The Bill of Rights of 1689 confirmed that English monarchs could not collect new taxes or raise an army without Parliament’s consent. The Bill of Rights of 1689 limited the king’s power. England was a constitutional monarchy. E. Napp

John Locke was an influential British writer and philosopher. E. Napp

John Locke John Locke believed that governments obtained their power from the people they governed. He did not believe in divine right theory. He did not believe that a king’s power came from God. He believed that government must protect a people’s right to life, liberty, and property. E. Napp

John Locke believed that it is the responsibility of government to protect the life, liberty, and property of its subjects. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: How did the Magna Carta limit the power of England’s monarchs? How does a constitutional monarchy differ from absolute monarchy? What powers were given Parliament by the Bill of Rights of 1689? Who was John Locke and what did he believe? E. Napp