The History of the United Kingdom: King and Parliament
Key Themes
King's Power and Parliament's Rise
Kings initially held great power.
Councils were used as a means to seek taxation.
Over time, councils evolved into a more authoritative parliament.
Origins of Parliament
King John
Summoned a council to raise money for financial issues.
Resulted in the Magna Carta (1215), which established that the king must obtain parliamentary approval for new taxes.
Significance of the Magna Carta
First instance of requiring parliamentary consent for taxation.
This principle was often ignored, especially by King Henry III.
Development of Parliament
Simone de Montfort's Parliament
Opened in response to Henry III's unilateral tax imposition.
Included representatives from counties and towns, regarded as the first representative parliament.
Edward I and the Model Parliament
Aimed to unify Britain by calling for tax-funded parliamentary support.
Marked the beginning of the division into the House of Lords and House of Commons, institutionalizing parliament's role.
Challenges to Parliamentary Authority
Decline of Feudal Power
Wars (Hundred Years' War and Wars of the Roses) led to diminishing authority of feudal lords.
Power began to concentrate back to the crown.
Divine Right of Kings
Doctrine asserting that a king's authority was derived from God, making rebellion unacceptable.
Conflict between King and Parliament
Charles I's Reign
Ignored the Petition of Right from Parliament, which demanded a ban on taxation without consent.
Dissolved Parliament and repressed Puritan protests.
English Civil War
Conflict arose between supporters of the king and Parliament, leading to the execution of Charles I and the rise of Oliver Cromwell.
Cromwell's Commonwealth
Cromwell's Rule
Established a dictatorship as Lord Protector.
Suppressed demands for equal elections, leading to a loss of popular support.
Restoration of the Monarchy
Following Cromwell's death, Parliament restored the monarchy.
The Glorious Revolution
James II and the Protestant Ascendancy
James II, a Catholic, was expelled by Parliament, leading to the invitation of Protestant Mary II and William III.
This marked a significant change in England's political system.
Bill of Rights
Established principles of a constitutional monarchy, including guidelines for the appointment and dismissal of the crown.
Conclusion
The history of the UK shows the evolving relationship between monarchy and parliament, leading to the establishment of a modern constitutional monarchy.