English Law & Civil War

Democracy Develops in England

Democracy Develops

Democracy had been developing gradually throughout history Greece: Athens (Assembly and Courts)

Rome: Republics

Finally, it began to take root in England

King Henry II

King Henry II – made a significant change to move England toward democracy Trial by Jury

Not a jury as we know it today. Instead it was 12 that uncovered facts about a case

Led to Common Law (customs and principles established over time through court rulings)

King John

King John – Unpopular king who fought a costly war with France and lost. Now had to raise taxes to pay for the war

People were angry and nobles rebelled and forced him to grant them political rights (Magna Carta or “Great Charter”)

Magna Carta contract between kings and nobles Limited power of the king over his subjects MAJOR THEME: Kings now had to govern according to law

(rule of law) 63 clauses

Example: King can’t tax without consent

King Edward I

King Edward needed money for wars/pay debt which the people disapproved Nobles now wanted a say in how the kingdom

was run

Brought together lords, clergy, knights, and burgesses (leading citizens) in the very first Parliament

Parliament What did Parliament do?

Voted on Taxes Helped Edward I make reforms Consolidated Laws

By the mid 1300s, Parliament was divided into two houses

1) House of Commons (knights and burgesses/lower house)

2) House of Lords (nobles and bishops)

Parliament Guided Reading In pairs, read the narrative (p.306-312)

on the creation of Parliament. As you read, underline important points

of the story you/partner feel are integral to the story.

After reading each section (3 total), complete the guided question with your partner.

When done with the reading/questions, we will review as a class and submit.

Parliament

Section 1 (up to p. 308) How did Simon de Montfort change

Parliament for the better? Who comes to power after Simon?

Parliament

Section 2 (up to p. 309) How did King Edward feel about Simon’s

form of Parliament?

Parliament

Section 3 (up to p. 312) How did Parliament increase its power over

the King? How did Parliament begin to make laws for

England? How did the House of Commons increase its

power in Parliament?

Parliament Name 3 positive consequences as a

result of the creation of Parliament.

We will discuss then move on to our next topic.

Blaat Activity Questions What is a Civil War?

What is a Revolution?

How are both actions similar?

How are they different?

Explain how conflicts within a society can lead to revolution or unrest. Provided specific examples from the Blaat activity and the content discussed in class to support your conclusions.

King James I

James I (king in 1603) believed in the divine right

Problems exist with Parliament because of this and his need for money (to pay off a debt)

Religious issues also prevailed A new group called the Puritans want to purify the

Church of England They ask James I for reforms but he says no –

many move to North America

King Charles I

Charles I (son of King James) also wanted money for war and opposed Puritans

Parliament agrees as long as Charles agrees to the Petition of Right No taxing without Parliaments consent No imprisoning citizens illegally No housing troops in citizens’ homes

Charles signs but ignores it later

Civil War breaks out!

English Civil War

Parliament Wins, King Charles I is executed

New gov’t is formed (a commonwealth) under Oliver Cromwell Complete obedience required Closed theaters/entertainment venues

Citizens are unhappy Impact of Hobbes’ view on monarchs They want their king back

Monarchy Restored

Oliver Cromwell died in 1658 His son Richards became the ruler

of England – he was unable to maintain the gov’t People were tired of military rule and

Puritan laws 1660, newly elected Parliament

restored the monarchy under Charles II (Restoration)

King James II (1685)

Catholic!

Why is this a problem for the people?

Allowed people of all Christian faiths to worship freely

James II

Absolute Power!

Why is this a problem for the people?

Claimed he had the right to suspend law

James II

1688 – second wife has a son

Why is this a problem for the people?

Catholic son would inherit the throne Not Mary, his protestant daughter

Glorious Revolution

Whigs & Tories united & forced James to flee the country

Mary & her husband, William of Orange, peacefully took over the throne

William & Mary

Agreed to rule according to Parliament’s laws Common Law Bill of Rights