1. How did England become a Constitutional Monarchy?

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

3. Absolute monarchy: Divine right Magna Carta- 1215
Petition of Right- 1628

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

5. Civil War: Teams: Royalists v. Roundheads
English Civil War
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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Charles II and James II

11. The Glorious Revolution
Problem: 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

12. William III and Mary II

13. 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