7.2 Constitutionalism in England: Civil War to Glorious Revolution
3 min read•august 6, 2024
England's struggle for constitutionalism shaped its political landscape from 1642 to 1689. The , , and marked key turning points in the balance of power between monarchy and Parliament.
These events culminated in the establishment of a , limiting royal authority and ensuring . The Bill of Rights codified these changes, setting the stage for modern British democracy and influencing constitutional development worldwide.
English Civil War and Restoration
Conflict between King and Parliament
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- English Civil War (1642-1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and
- Parliamentarians opposed the rule of , believing he was attempting to gain
- Royalists supported the king and the principle of royal absolutism
- , a prominent military and political leader, led the Parliamentarian forces against the Royalists
- Cromwell's defeated the Royalists, leading to the execution of Charles I in 1649
- Cromwell became of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, ruling as a military dictator until his death in 1658
Restoration of the Monarchy
- Restoration in 1660 marked the return of the monarchy to England after the period of the Commonwealth
- , son of Charles I, was invited to return from exile and assume the throne
- The Restoration period saw a resurgence of arts and culture, as well as a relaxation of Puritan moral codes that had been enforced during the Commonwealth
- Charles II's reign was characterized by religious tensions and conflicts with Parliament
- The , a series of laws that sought to re-establish the supremacy of the Church of England, was enacted during this period
- The Test Act of 1673 required all office holders to take communion in the Church of England and denounce transubstantiation, effectively excluding Catholics and nonconformists from public office
Reign of James II
James II's Controversial Rule
- , brother of Charles II, ascended to the throne in 1685
- James was an openly Catholic monarch, which caused concern among the Protestant majority in England
- He pursued policies that favored Catholics and aimed to establish Catholicism as the state religion, alienating many of his subjects
- James II's actions, such as appointing Catholics to key positions and suspending laws that penalized religious dissent, led to growing opposition
The Glorious Revolution
- Glorious Revolution (1688-1689) was a bloodless overthrow of James II by a union of English Parliamentarians and the Dutch stadtholder
- William, who was married to James II's daughter Mary, was invited by a group of influential Protestant nobles to invade England and depose James II
- James II fled to France, and William and Mary were jointly crowned as King William III and Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1689
- The Glorious Revolution established the principle of and limited the power of the monarch
- The Revolution also ensured the to the throne, as codified in the Bill of Rights and the
Establishment of Constitutional Monarchy
Limiting the Power of the Monarch
- Bill of Rights (1689) was a landmark document that set out the rights of Parliament and the limits on the power of the monarch
- The Bill of Rights prohibited the monarch from suspending laws, levying taxes, or maintaining a standing army during peacetime without Parliament's consent
- It also guaranteed and required
- Constitutional monarchy, a system of government in which the monarch's power is limited by a constitution and the rule of law, emerged as a result of the Glorious Revolution
- The monarch became a figurehead, with real political power resting in Parliament and the elected government
Supremacy of Parliament
- Parliament, consisting of the and the , became the supreme legislative body in England
- The House of Commons, elected by a limited franchise, gained increasing power and influence over the course of the 18th century
- The development of a ( and ) within Parliament further solidified its role in governance
- The establishment of constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament laid the foundation for the modern British political system
- The principle of , in which the executive is accountable to and must maintain the support of Parliament, emerged during this period
Key Terms to Review (29)
Absolute Power: Absolute power refers to a political system where a single ruler holds unrestricted authority and control over the government and its subjects. This form of governance often leads to the centralization of power in the hands of one individual, resulting in limited checks and balances on their authority. The concept is particularly relevant to the period of constitutionalism in England, where the struggle between monarchy and parliamentary power highlighted the dangers and limitations of absolute rule.
Act of Settlement: The Act of Settlement, enacted in 1701, was a key piece of legislation that established rules for the succession to the English throne, ensuring that only Protestant descendants of James VI and I could inherit. This act was significant as it aimed to secure Protestant rule in England and prevent Catholic influence from returning to the monarchy, reflecting the ongoing religious and political tensions of the time. It is also crucial for understanding the evolution of constitutional monarchy in England following the Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.
Bill of Rights 1689: The Bill of Rights 1689 is a landmark act passed by the Parliament of England that outlined specific rights and liberties of individuals, limiting the powers of the monarchy. This document is significant as it marked a crucial turning point in the establishment of constitutional monarchy, reinforcing the principle that the government must operate within the law and respect the rights of its citizens, which emerged from the conflicts between Parliament and the Crown during the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.
Charles I: Charles I was the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in 1649. He is known for his conflicts with Parliament and his belief in the divine right of kings, which ultimately led to the English Civil War and significant changes in the constitutional balance of power in England.
Charles II: Charles II was the monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 until his death in 1685, known for his restoration of the monarchy following the English Civil War. His reign marked a significant period of cultural revival, political experimentation, and the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England, transitioning from absolute rule to a system where the monarchy had to share power with Parliament.
Clarendon Code: The Clarendon Code refers to a series of laws enacted in England during the 1660s that established the foundations for religious conformity and control within the Church of England. These laws aimed to suppress nonconformist Protestant groups and solidify the Anglican Church's position as the state church following the English Civil War. The Code included provisions that limited the rights of dissenters, reinforcing a framework of religious uniformity in post-Civil War England.
Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution, which can be written or unwritten. This system balances the power of the monarchy with that of an elected parliament or other governing bodies, ensuring that the ruler's powers are limited and subject to law. The emergence of constitutional monarchy in England reflects a shift towards more democratic principles and the rule of law during significant political upheavals.
English Civil War: The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians ('Roundheads') and Royalists ('Cavaliers') from 1642 to 1651, fundamentally altering the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament in England. It centered around issues of governance, authority, and the rights of Parliament, ultimately leading to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. This conflict set the stage for later developments in political theory, such as social contracts and the idea of separation of powers.
Freedom of speech in parliament: Freedom of speech in parliament refers to the right of members of parliament to express their opinions, debate issues, and speak freely without fear of prosecution or censorship. This principle is vital for democratic governance, allowing open discussions that are essential for accountability and representation. It ensures that parliamentary debates can address various viewpoints and challenges faced by the government, fostering an environment where policies can be debated transparently.
Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution refers to the events of 1688 in England when King James II was overthrown and replaced by William of Orange and his wife Mary II, marking a significant shift in political power. This revolution established the principle of constitutional monarchy and the importance of parliamentary authority, laying the groundwork for modern democratic governance by emphasizing the social contract and the separation of powers in government.
House of Commons: The House of Commons is the lower house of Parliament in the United Kingdom, consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public. This institution plays a crucial role in the legislative process and represents the interests of the electorate, particularly during the period from the Civil War to the Glorious Revolution when constitutionalism began to take shape in England.
House of Lords: The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which historically has played a crucial role in the legislative process. Comprised of appointed life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers, it serves to review and amend legislation proposed by the House of Commons. Its functions and powers have evolved over time, especially during significant political events like the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.
James II: James II was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1685 until his deposition in 1688, known for his attempts to promote religious tolerance and centralized power. His reign marked a significant period of conflict between monarchy and parliamentary authority, culminating in the Glorious Revolution, which established constitutional monarchy in England.
Lord protector: The term 'lord protector' refers to the title given to the head of state in England during the period of the Commonwealth, particularly under Oliver Cromwell from 1653 to 1658. This position emerged following the English Civil War when the monarchy was abolished, and it represented a shift towards a republican form of governance, where the lord protector wielded significant executive power while the Parliament existed.
Mary II: Mary II was the queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until her death in 1694. She ruled jointly with her husband, William of Orange, after they successfully overthrew her father, King James II, during the Glorious Revolution. This event marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, laying the groundwork for constitutional monarchy in England.
New Model Army: The New Model Army was a disciplined and effective military force created in 1645 by the Parliament of England during the English Civil War. It was established to replace the existing, less reliable armies and was pivotal in shaping the outcome of the conflict between Parliamentarians and Royalists. The army represented a shift towards professional military organization, with a focus on merit-based promotions and a commitment to the parliamentary cause.
Oliver Cromwell: Oliver Cromwell was a military and political leader who played a key role during the English Civil War and later became the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 until his death in 1658. His leadership was pivotal in establishing a republican government, moving away from monarchy, and significantly shaping the development of constitutionalism in England during this transformative period.
Parliamentary Sovereignty: Parliamentary sovereignty is the principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority within the state, meaning it can create or end any law without being subject to a higher authority. This concept emerged prominently during the period of constitutional developments in England, especially in the context of the struggles between the monarchy and Parliament from the Civil War to the Glorious Revolution. It reflects the shift towards a system where elected representatives wield legislative power, fundamentally altering the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Parliamentary supremacy: Parliamentary supremacy refers to the principle that Parliament has the ultimate legal authority in the state and can create or end any law. This concept emphasizes that Parliament's decisions cannot be challenged by any other body, including the judiciary, making it a cornerstone of constitutionalism in England, particularly during the period from the Civil War to the Glorious Revolution.
Protestant Succession: Protestant succession refers to the line of Protestant leaders and monarchs who followed the English throne after the turbulent religious conflicts of the 16th and 17th centuries. This succession played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of England, particularly during the transition from Catholic to Protestant rule and the resulting political implications. The establishment of Protestant succession was instrumental in the development of constitutionalism, as it underscored the importance of religion in governance and highlighted the conflict between royal authority and parliamentary power.
Regular Elections: Regular elections are systematic and periodic voting processes that allow citizens to select their representatives in government. These elections are a key aspect of constitutional governance, ensuring that power remains accountable to the electorate and that citizens have a voice in political decision-making. In the context of England from the Civil War to the Glorious Revolution, regular elections played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, leading to increased representation and the development of parliamentary sovereignty.
Responsible Government: Responsible government is a political system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it, ensuring that leaders remain answerable to elected representatives. This principle emerged strongly in England during the period of constitutionalism, especially after the Civil War and through the Glorious Revolution, influencing how power was balanced between monarchy and parliament.
Restoration: Restoration refers to the period in England from 1660 to 1688 when the monarchy was re-established after the Interregnum, which followed the English Civil War. This era saw Charles II returning from exile to reclaim the throne, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape and the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament, ultimately influencing constitutionalism in England.
Royalists: Royalists were supporters of the monarchy during the English Civil War, advocating for the rights and authority of King Charles I and opposing Parliament's attempts to limit his power. They believed in the divine right of kings, asserting that monarchs are chosen by God and should not be challenged by their subjects. This faction played a critical role in the conflict between the monarchy and Parliament, leading to a series of political and military struggles that ultimately shaped the future of constitutionalism in England.
Test Act 1673: The Test Act of 1673 was a piece of legislation in England that mandated certain religious tests for holding public office, specifically requiring individuals to declare their allegiance to the Church of England and deny the Catholic faith. This act aimed to strengthen Protestant dominance and limit the influence of Catholics and nonconformists in government and military positions, reflecting the broader tensions of the time following the English Civil War and the Restoration.
Tories: Tories were a political group in England that emerged during the late 17th century, primarily supporting the monarchy and traditional institutions against the rise of parliamentary power. They played a significant role in the political landscape during key events, including the Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, advocating for royal authority and a more centralized government.
Two-party system: A two-party system is a political structure in which two major political parties dominate the political landscape, competing for power and governance. This system often results in the simplification of political choices for voters and can lead to a stable yet limited representation of diverse political opinions. In the context of constitutionalism in England during the period of the Civil War to the Glorious Revolution, this system was shaped by the conflict between royalist and parliamentary forces, which ultimately influenced the development of modern political structures.
Whigs: Whigs were a political faction and later a political party in England that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by their support for constitutional monarchy, the supremacy of Parliament, and opposition to absolute monarchy. The Whigs played a significant role in shaping the political landscape during the period of constitutionalism, especially during the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.
William III of Orange-Nassau: William III of Orange-Nassau was a Dutch prince who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland through the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He played a critical role in establishing constitutional monarchy in England by limiting the powers of the monarchy and enhancing parliamentary authority, which became foundational in the evolution of constitutionalism during this period.