AP World History POD #14 -Age of Reason English Constitutionalism
Class Discussion Questions McKay – “Constitutionalism”, pp
What is the definition of constitutionalism? The limitation of government by law Balance between the authority and power of the government and the rights and liberties of the people Whether written or unwritten a constitution gets its binding force from the government’s acknowledgment that it must respect the constitution and that the state must govern according to the laws
What political miscalculation did King James I make? Believed the monarch has a divine right to his authority and is responsible only to God Believed he had total royal justification over the liberties, persons, and properties of the English people (this view contradicted the long-standing history of due process of law in England) Political Miscalculation – he needed the House of Commons to open the state’s pocketbook – a showdown was in order
Who were the Puritans and how did they influence and pressure the English throne? Most were Calvinists Believed the Reformation had not gone far enough Wanted to purge the Anglican Church of all Roman Catholic elements – including elaborate vestments and ceremonials, bishops, the position of the altar and even the custom of giving and wearing wedding rings Practiced the “Protestant” work ethic
How did King Charles I attempt to solve the English financial crisis? Ruled without Parliament for 11 years Financed the government through stop gap levies most considered illegal Most felt this was taxation without consent and arbitrary absolute despotism Charles could not put down the rebellion in Scotland as he could not fund a military as the House of Commons would not provide the money for this (THEY DID NOT TRUST HIM)
What two interests clashed during the English Civil War ( )? Fought to determine who would hold the power in England – the King or Parliament King recruited an army from the nobility and it’s cavalry, rural gentry, and mercenaries Parliamentary army was made up of the London militia, country squires with business connections, and men who held a belief in a duty to serve
How was the English Civil War resolved? 1649 – Charles I was tried, convicted, and executed on charges of high treason Oliver Cromwell and the Protectorate rose to power Cromwell controlled the military and thus possessed political power Ruled during the “Interregnum” when England was a commonwealth or republic His rule amounted to military dictatorship Toleration and protection given to Protestants Persecution of Catholics
What actions were taken in the Restoration of 1660? Charles II the eldest son of Charles I returned to power Restored the monarchy, Anglican Church, courts of law and the system of the government employing justices of the peace Desired to cooperate with Parliament Created a council of advisors who were also members of Parliament – this would evolve into the Cabal – loyal to the king and answerable to Parliament
How did the rule of Kings Charles II and James II further alienate the English populace? Charles II – secret agreement with France where he would be given money if he gradually re-Catholicized England and converted himself / This agreement was discovered by the House of Commons who passed legislation prohibiting royal succession to a Catholic / Charles II disbanded Parliament James II – brother to Charles II / Catholic – this inflamed the anti-Catholic fears / appeared to be reviving the absolutism of his Grandfather / Issued an indulgence granting religious freedom to all
What actions were taken in the Glorious Revolution of 1688? December 1688 – King James II and his family fled to France Mary and her Dutch husband William of Orange were invited to take the throne Glorious – in that it was a revolution without bloodshed Affirmed that sovereignty and power would be divided between the monarchy and Parliament English Bill of Rights – became the basis of the English Constitution Law to be made in Parliament and could not be suspended by the crown