England – The Rise of Constitutionalism
 Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603) – Practical Constitutionalism
• Withdrawal of nobility from politics.
• Worked with the gentry.
• Careful management of finances.
• Worked with Parliament.
• Wise selection of ministers.
 Stuart Family – Attempted Absolutism
• James I (r. 1603-1625)
•
Charles I (r. 1625-1649)
Promoted absolutism and divine right of kings.
However, the Stuarts were not successful in turning England into an absolute monarchy.
 What problems did the Stuart kings face? Make a list:
 English Civil War (1642-1649)
• War between Charles I and Parliament
• Charles I lost – beheaded in 1649
 What were the causes of the English Civil War? Describe the events that motivated and led up to the conflict.
 The Commonwealth (1649-1660)
• In theory: England became a REPUBLIC = Parliament had legislative power, council of state had
executive power (NO MONARCH; hence this period is called the “Interregnum,” i.e. period between 2
monarchies)
• In reality: military dictatorship, led by Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector, 1653-1658) – called the
“Protectorate”
 How did Cromwell rule England? Make a list of his state policies/acts.
 The Restoration (1660)
• Military dictatorship collapsed when Cromwell died (1658)  Stuart monarchy restored in 1660 with
Charles II (r. 1660-1685)
 In addition to restoring the king, what else did the Restoration see restored?
 Describe 2 serious problems that the Restoration failed to resolve.
 James II (r. 1685-1688)
• Aimed for absolutism
• Roman Catholic – English feared Catholic plots and Catholic dynasty
 Glorious Revolution (1688)
• James II deposed – bloodless coup known as Glorious Revolution
• William III of Orange and Mary (James’ daughter) became joint monarchs
• 1688 Bill of Rights – divided sovereignty between king and Parliament; king ruled with the consent of
the governed (absolutism out, constitutionalism in)
 The Hanoverians and Development of the Cabinet System
• George I (r. 1714-1727)
• George II (r. 1727-1760)
• Cabinet system developed under these kings:
o cabinet = body of leading ministers who formulate state policy; ministers, rather than monarchs,
have legislative and executive power
o Robert Walpole (led cabinet 1721-1742) – first “Prime Minister”