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 MonarchyA. 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 Monarchy1. 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.