The Magna Carta is a charter of rights agreed to by John of England on June 15, 1215. It promised the protection of church rights, protection from illegal imprisonment, access to justice, and limitations on feudal payments. It significantly limited the power of the king by establishing rights for his subjects.
- The English Civil War (1642-1651):
The English Civil war was a series of conflicts between "Parliamentarians" and "Royalists" over the way that England should be governed. The War ended with the Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651. The outcome led to the replacement of the monarchy with the Commonwealth of England and then the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell. The monarchy was eventually restored, but only with consent of Parliament. This helped control the power of the monarchy.
- The Glorious Revolution (1688):
The Glorious Revolution resulted in the deposition of James II and the accession of his daughter Mary II and her husband, William III, prince of Orange. The revolution reaffirmed the idea of the monarch governing by popular consent, not by divine right. It also strengthened the idea of a "social contract" between the people and the government.