Post on 17-Dec-2015
Democratic Development in England (1000 – 1700 AD)
Vocabulary1. Feudalism
1. System of rule in which powerful landowning lords divide their landholdings amongst lesser lords.
2. Common law1. A legal system based on customs and court rulings
1. Applied to everyone
3. Limited monarchy1. Government where a constitution limits the power of the king.
4. Lord 1. A man of high rank in a feudal society (loyal and below the king)
5. Vassal1. Lesser lord
6. Absolute monarch – A king or queen above the law (all-powerful)
1. Greedy King John tried to raise taxes on his nobles
Magna Carta
• Established idea that monarchy wasn’t all powerful
• Basic legal rights of people protected
2. Edward I needed money to pay for war in France
Model Parliament (created)
• Group of people used to discuss legal issues
• Increased the number of people making gov’t decisions
• Two chambers: House of Commons and House of Lords.
3. Monarchs claim more power.
Divine Right – The belief that monarchs are chosen by God and responsible only to God.
4. Charles I (absolute monarch – ruler with complete authority over the gov’t) tries raising taxes and punishes people without just cause.
Petition of Right (a document)
• Leads to the overthrow of Charles I
• Increased power of Parliament
5. The Glorious Revolution takes place.
English Bill of Rights
• Monarchs now need permission of Parliament to create taxes, maintain an army, or suspend laws.
• Juries allowed “the accused” to be heard and receive justice
• Common Law reflected customs & court rulings. They were laws most people in England agreed on, not just the king.