Types of governmentSix possibilities (could there be more?)

Direct democracy

• Established by the Greeks• All eligible citizens voted on all decisions• Roughly 1/10 to 1/5 of people were eligible

Republic

• Used by the Romans• Powerful senate and popular assemblies• Everyone could participate at some level,

though the Senate had the most power

Absolute monarchy

• The monarch has concentrated power and controls all major decisions• Ministers appointed by the monarchy

might have some influence

Enlightened monarchy

• Still had absolute power• Appointed good advisers and listened

to their advice• Final decisions still made by monarch

Constitutional monarchy

• The power of the monarchy is limited by a parliament• Parliament comprised of nobles• More of a partnership

Representative democracy

• People elect representatives to put forward their position and concerns in an assembly/parliament• Qualification by gender, race

or wealth may be a factor

How did government evolve ?

• Read the following sections in the text book:

Page 518-519Pages 520 (From Restoration….) – 521 (Constitutional government evolves)

Be sure to note key these key terms:

Dissolving parliament Cavaliers & Roundheads DictatorCommonwealth Restoration Glorious RevolutionLimited monarchy Constitutional government

Why the Civil War in Britain is important to study.• First time an elected body (parliament) showed power over a monarch• First time a sitting king was tried and executed • Limited the power of the Catholic church (and banned Catholics from

becoming monarch)• First set of citizens’ rights recorded – Bill of Rights – guaranteeing certain

rights for citizens• Highly influential for future governments in Europe and the US• Cavaliers & Roundheads

English Civil War• King’s army • Parliament’s army (commanded by Cromwell)

Execution of a king• Charles I condemned to death• First time a monarch is tried and executed

Parliamentary power• Death of Charles proves parliament’s authority• Other European countries shocked by the execution

Brief experiment as a republic•Britain under ruler of Lord Protector (Cromwell)•No monarchyProtestantism rules•Catholics tolerated (limited)•Puritanical values (strong belief in the role of religion)

A king returns•Parliament welcomes Charles II to the throne•Charles works with parliament

Then came James II….& the glorious revolution

James II (brother of Charles I)•Saw himself with absolute power: also he was a Catholic•Contempt for parliament

Parliament shows its power•Invites James’ cousin, Mary, to take the throne•Her husband is William, a Dutch protestant

James flees to France (which is still Catholic)•William and Mary assume the throne of England, Scotland & Ireland•The new rulers must obey parliament

The Bill of Rights (1689)

Before crowning William & Mary, parliament made them accept the Bill of Rights.

Required the monarchy to regularly summon parliament.

Gave parliament power over spending; barred a Catholic monarch; and gave citizens the right of a trial by jury.

Bill of Rights - effects

• People elected representatives

• Power over monarchy

Parliament

• All citizens have natural rights

• Social contract between the ruled and the rulers

Enlightenment

• Defined by a set of laws

• Specialization emerges (prime minister, political parties etc.)

Government

The big picture

•The power of absolute monarchs had been broken•Politicians, not kings, gained authority•Parliament’s success in Britain paved the way for further changes