Parliament Limits the English Monarchy Chapter 5 Section 5

Main Ideas Absolute rulers in England were overthrown, and Parliament gained power. Many of the government reforms of this period contributed to the democratic tradition of the United States.

Background Queen Elizabeth I of England had frequent conflicts with Parliament. Money Not enough funds to pay Queen’s expenses. By the time Elizabeth died, she left a huge debt for her successor to handle. Parliament’s financial power was one obstacle to English rulers becoming absolute monarchs.

Monarchs Defy Parliament Elizabeth’s next of kin was James Stuart. James Stuart was the king of Scotland. Became King James I of England. England and Scotland were not united, but now shared a ruler.

James’ Problems James had to deal with the unsettled issues Elizabeth left. Struggled with Parliament over money. James offended the Puritan members of Parliament. Refused to make Puritan reforms, with the exception of a new translation of the Bible.

Charles I Fights Parliament King James died in 1625. Charles I, his son, took the throne. In constant need of money. In war with both Spain and France. When Parliament refused him money, he dissolved it.

Charles Fights Parliament (cont.) 1628, Charles had to call on Parliament. Parliament refused the funds. Charles signed the Petition of Right. Document stated that he would not: Imprison subjects without due cause. Levy taxes without Parliament’s consent. House soldiers in private homes. Impose martial law in peacetime.

Petition of Right Even though Charles agreed to the petition, he ignored it. The petition was important, though. It sat forth the idea that the law was higher than the king. It contradicted theories of absolute monarchy. 1629 – Charles dissolved the Parliament again. Refused to call it back. Imposed fees & fines on people to get money.

Two Kingdoms, One Religion Charles tried to force Presbyterian Scots to accept a version of the Anglican prayer book. Scots assembled a huge army & threatened to invade. In order to be prepared, Charles had to call Parliament to get money.

War Topples the King Parliament passed laws to limit royal power. Charles tried to arrest Parliament’s leaders but they escaped. In response, Londoners protested outside palace. Charles fled London & went to northern England. Formed a new army. People were loyal to him.

English Civil War 1642-1649 Fought between supporters & opponents of Charles. Supporters = Royalists or Cavaliers Opponents = Roundheads (Puritan supporters of Parliament) Neither side did well until 1644. Puritans found a competent general, Oliver Cromwell.

Oliver Cromwell 1645 – Cromwell’s New Model Army began defeating the Cavaliers. 1647 – Puritans held the king prisoner. Brought Charles to trial for treason. First time a king had been publicly executed.

Cromwell’s Rule Cromwell was now in power. Abolished the monarchy. Established a republican form of government. Sent home the remaining members of Parliament. A constitution was drafted. Cromwell tore up the document & became a military dictator.

Puritan Morality Cromwell & the Puritans sought to reform society. Made laws that promoted Puritan morality and abolished activities they found sinful. Theater, sporting events & dancing. Favored religious toleration for all Christians except Catholics. Even allowed Jews to return.

Restoration and Revolution Cromwell ruled until his death in 1658 . His government collapsed. English were tired of military rule. Parliament voted to ask the oldest son of Charles I to rule England.

Charles II Reigns People rejoiced when Charles II came. He restored the monarchy. Period of rule known as Restoration.

Habeas Corpus “To have the body”. Gave every prisoner the right to obtain a writ ordering that the prisoner be brought before a judge to specify the charges against the prisoner. A monarch could no longer put someone in jail for simply opposing the ruler. Prisoners could not be held in jail indefinitely.

Charles’ Successor? Charles had no children His heir was his brother, James. Catholic Whigs (liberals) opposed James. Tories (conservatives) supported him.

James II and the Glorious Revolution James II became king when Charles II died. Offended his people by displaying his Catholicism. Appointed several Catholics to high offices. Parliament protested. He dissolved it.

Glorious Revolution James’ wife gave birth to his son. Protestants became terrified at the thought of a long line of Catholic kings. James had an older daughter, Mary, who was Protestant. Married to William of Orange, prince of the Netherlands Parliament invited William to overthrow James. When William’s army came to town, James fled to France. This bloodless overthrow of James is called the Glorious Revolution.

Limits on Monarch’s Power William and Mary vowed to recognize Parliament as their partner in governing. England became a constitutional monarchy. Law limited the ruler’s power. Parliament drafted a Bill of Rights in 1689.

Bill of Rights A ruler could not: Suspend of Parliament’s laws Levy taxes without a specific grant from Parliament Interfere with freedom of speech in Parliament Penalize a citizen who petitions the king about grievances William & Mary consent to these & other limits

Cabinet System Develops After 1688, no British monarch could rule without the consent of Parliament. Vice Versa In the two disagreed, government came to a standstill. Cabinet, a group of government officials, solved this problem.

Cabinet Supposed to represent the ruler, but really it was the majority party in Parliament. Became the center of power and policymaking. Leader of the majority party in Parliament is head of the cabinet & is called the Prime Minister.

Today’s Prime Minister United Kingdom’s current Prime Minister: Gordon Brown Previous Prime Minister: Tony Blair