Dissolved Parliament

Definition

Dissolved Parliament refers to the formal termination of a parliamentary session or the complete disbanding of a parliament by the monarch or ruling authority. This act is significant as it can lead to new elections and often reflects tensions between the monarchy and legislative bodies, especially during periods of political conflict and struggle for power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dissolution of Parliament often occurs when a monarch seeks to regain control or assert authority, particularly when there are disagreements with parliamentary factions.
2. In England, the dissolution of Parliament played a crucial role leading up to the English Civil War, as King Charles I attempted to bypass Parliament to govern without its consent.
3. The act of dissolving Parliament can be viewed as a catalyst for political upheaval, prompting public unrest and demands for more representation and power.
4. After the English Civil War, the notion of dissolved Parliament was challenged as the idea of popular sovereignty and parliamentary representation gained traction among the populace.
5. Dissolved Parliament can be seen as part of broader absolutist approaches to power, where rulers sought to consolidate authority and limit checks on their power by legislative bodies.

Review Questions

• How did the dissolution of Parliament contribute to the onset of the English Civil War?
  • The dissolution of Parliament by King Charles I was a significant factor that escalated tensions between the monarchy and Parliament. Charles sought to govern without parliamentary approval, which angered many members of Parliament who felt their rights were being undermined. This conflict ultimately led to armed confrontation as royalists and parliamentarians clashed over governance and authority.
• Discuss how the concept of dissolved Parliament reflects absolutist approaches to power in early modern Europe.
  • The concept of dissolved Parliament illustrates how monarchs attempted to exert absolute control over governance by sidelining legislative bodies. Rulers like King Charles I believed that dissolving Parliament would allow them to implement policies without opposition. This approach created significant friction between those advocating for a more representative government and absolutist leaders who prioritized centralized power.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of dissolving Parliament on modern democratic governance.
  • The practice of dissolving Parliament has left a lasting impact on modern democratic systems by highlighting the importance of checks and balances in governance. The struggles during events like the English Civil War laid foundational principles for modern parliamentary democracy, emphasizing accountability and representation. As history evolved, instances where parliaments were dissolved became cautionary tales, reinforcing the need for stable democratic institutions that prevent the concentration of power in any one individual or group.

Related terms

Civil War: A conflict between factions within the same country, often over control of the government, which can lead to significant social and political changes.

Monarch:

The sovereign head of state, especially a king or queen, who may possess varying degrees of power and influence over government affairs.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the state, allowing it to create or end any law without interference.