Absolute Power?

1
Absolute Power?

• We have learned about monarchies and absolute
  power, how can their power be limited?

England is first to put some restraints on the
King in 1215. King John is forced to sign the
Magna Carta.
2
The Power Shift
Charles I declared martial law Forced to sign
Petition of Right
James I Absolute Power Divine Right
English Civil War Royalists v. Roundheads
(Puritans) Roundheads win and Charles I is
killed
3
The Restoration Charles II welcomed
back. Constitutional Monarchy His powers are
greatly limited.
English Civil War Commonwealth put in place with
Cromwell as leader. Puritans in control and
English dont like it.
English Bill of Rights passed by William and
Mary.
James II (Charles son) takes power and is
Catholic. Not good for England, they are
Protestant Glorious Rev.- William and Mary (James
sis) are asked to take power and there is
bloodshed.
4
Limits on the King

• Petition of Rights
• No imprisoning of subjects w/out due cause.
• No taxes w/out Parliaments consent.
• No housing of soldiers in private homes.
• No martial law during peacetime.

• English Bill of Rights
• No suspending of Parliaments laws.
• No taxes w/out Parliaments consent.
• No interfering with freedom of speech in
  Parliament.
• No penalty for citizens who petitions the king
  about a grievence.

5
Constitutional Monarchy
King/Queen
Parliament
Cabinet They advise the king.
Years later
Parliament chooses a Prime Minister who acts as
their leader. Today the king has no power at all