Parliamentary supremacy

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliamentary supremacy emerged as a key principle during the English Civil War when Parliament sought to limit the power of the monarchy.
2. The Restoration of Charles II in 1660 did not fully restore royal power, as Parliament retained significant authority, showcasing the shift towards parliamentary supremacy.
3. The Bill of Rights in 1689 solidified parliamentary supremacy by establishing that laws could only be made with parliamentary consent and reinforcing the principle of governance by consent.
4. During the Glorious Revolution, parliamentary supremacy was further confirmed when William and Mary accepted the throne under conditions set by Parliament.
5. The acceptance of parliamentary supremacy marked a significant shift towards democracy in England, laying the groundwork for modern democratic governance.

Review Questions

• How did the English Civil War contribute to the establishment of parliamentary supremacy?
  • The English Civil War played a crucial role in establishing parliamentary supremacy as it highlighted the struggle between Parliament and the monarchy over power. The conflict arose from tensions regarding royal authority and governance. As Parliament emerged victorious and gained control, it began to assert its legislative authority, laying down the foundation for the principle that no law could be enacted without its consent.
• Analyze how the Glorious Revolution impacted the concept of parliamentary supremacy in England.
  • The Glorious Revolution significantly impacted parliamentary supremacy by affirming Parliament's authority over the monarchy. When William of Orange and Mary accepted the throne under conditions imposed by Parliament, it demonstrated that royal power was now subordinate to parliamentary decisions. This event reinforced the idea that Parliament could regulate governance without interference from the monarchy, solidifying its legal authority within England's constitutional framework.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of parliamentary supremacy on modern democratic systems.
  • Parliamentary supremacy has had profound long-term implications for modern democratic systems by establishing principles of legislative authority and governance by consent. This principle has influenced various democratic nations in developing frameworks where elected representatives hold power over law-making. The evolution from absolute monarchy to parliamentary governance has paved the way for contemporary notions of checks and balances, civil rights, and individual liberties, essential features of functioning democracies today.

Related terms

Constitutionalism: A political system in which government powers are limited by law, ensuring that individual rights and liberties are protected.

English Civil War: A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists in England from 1642 to 1651, which ultimately led to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy.

Glorious Revolution: The 1688 overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange and his wife Mary, which established a constitutional monarchy and reinforced parliamentary authority.