The History of the United Kingdom: King and Parliament

Overview

• The history of the UK is centered around the relationship between the king and parliament.
• Initially, kings had great power and used councils primarily for taxation.

Origins of Parliament

• The origin dates back to King John.
  • King John lost lands due to mismanagement.
  • He summoned a council to raise money.
• This council imposed the Magna Carta (Great Charter) on King John.
  • Established that the king must get parliament's approval for new taxes.
  • This principle was often violated.

Henry III and the Backlash

• Henry III, King John’s son, imposed taxes unilaterally to regain lands.
• Sparked backlash from the nobility leading to Simon de Montfort's Parliament.
  • Included representatives from counties and towns.
  • Regarded as the first English representative parliament.

Edward I and Model Parliament

• Edward I aimed to unify Britain and called parliament for taxation.
• This period was known as the Model Parliament.
  • Included emerging powers such as the gentry.
  • Led to the division into House of Lords and House of Commons.

Decline of Parliamentary Authority

• Authority diminished due to the fall of feudal lords in the Wars of the Roses and the Hundred Years' War.
• Divine Right of Kings emerged, stating a king's authority comes from God.
  • Rebellion against the king was deemed unacceptable.

Charles I and the Petition of Right

• On ascending the throne, Charles I faced opposition from parliament.
  • Parliament presented the Petition of Right asking for a ban on taxation without consent.
  • Charles I ignored and dissolved parliament, oppressing Puritans, leading to protests.

English Civil War

• Scottish riots led Charles I to demand funds from parliament, dividing the subjects.
• Resulted in the English Civil War and execution of Charles I.
• Oliver Cromwell rose to power, establishing a commonwealth.
  • Cromwell's rule became a military dictatorship.
  • Suppressed demands for equal elections.

Restoration and Glorious Revolution

• After Cromwell's death, parliament restored the monarchy but conflicts continued.
• The new king, believing in the divine right and Catholicism, conflicted with the Church of England.
• This led to the Glorious Revolution:
  • Parliament expelled Catholic King James II.
  • Invited Protestant Mary II and William III to be the new monarchs.
  • Approved the Bill of Rights, establishing principles of a modern constitutional monarchy.

Conclusion

• The evolution of the relationship between king and parliament significantly shaped England's political system.