Aim/Goal: How did the Magna Carta and
the English Bill of Rights limit the monarchy
in England?
Do Now:
1. Define :
Absolute monarchy
2. Who, in a country ruled by an absolute
monarch, would want to see the power of the
monarch limited? Why? Explain in a few
sentences.
Homework: Write a dialogue between an absolute
monarch and a limited monarch in which rulers
describe how their powers differ. This must be at
least one page.
Definitions:
• Absolute monarchy: a King or Queen
have total power of their country and
colonies.
• Limited monarchy: a King or Queen have
power but it is limited. They do not make
all the decisions! Usually this helps the
country with spending money and going to
war.
KING JOHN OF ENGLAND
Activity:
• Read Document #1 and answer question
#1 in full sentences in your notebook.
Notes:
• Limited Monarchy
A. Rule of King John (1180-1220)
1. King of England, he ruled with
absolute power until 1215.
2. Signed the Magna Carta which limited
his power. He had to ask permission of
the English nobles to raise taxes. If he
did not sign the Magna Carta he would
have faced death.
King John and the Magna Carta
(1215)
Activity:
• Read Document #2 and answer question
#2 in full sentences in your notebook.
Notes:
B. Limited Monarchy
1. Later English Kings needed permission
to tax wealthy businessmen and farmers.
2. House of Lords and House of Commons
made up the Parliament. In the United
States we call it the Senate and the House
of representatives which make up
Congress. This gives the King/President
limited financial power.
King Edward II of England
Activity:
• Read Document #3 and answer question
#3 in full sentences in your notebook.
Notes:
C. English Bill of Rights (1689)
1. This document gave some basic rights to
England’s citizens.
a. Laws cannot be ignored by the King.
b. Citizens have the right to complain to the
King.
c. Free speech for Parliament members.
d. No unreasonable bail.
e. No cruel or unusual punishment.