Restoration Legislation

and the Glorious Revolution

Restoration

Remember—Charles II returns from exile in 1660

Welcomed back with open arms by the English people Why??

Called the “Merry Monarch” What are some issues that Charles II will

initially face?

Laws of Restoration

Why might have Parliament insisted on enacting so many new laws after the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy? In other words, in light of the Revolution, what will the demands of Parliament be as Charles II ascends the throne? Maintain religious identity of England Limit monarch’s power Increase individual rights Guarantee line of succession

Reopened theaters and taverns Claredon Code- Church of England is state

religion and only its members can serve in Parliament, attend universities, hold high positions in gov’t, etc. (Charles actually leaned more toward religious toleration)

Magna Carta + Petition of Right- reasserted under Charles II to limit the power of the monarch.

Laws of Restoration- Charles II

James II

Charles II has no heirs, and throne passes to his Catholic brother James II

James openly practices his Catholic religion.

Why is James II’s religion problematic in the eyes of Parliament? Actions by James (related to religion)

that were against the laws of Parliament.

As a result, how does Parliament eventually respond?

The Glorious Revolution

Parliament, angered by James II’s actions and the possibility that his Catholic son could become king, invite James’ daughter, Mary, and her husband William to overthrow the king.

No battles or blood= Glorious Revolution

Become William III and Mary II

Laws of Restoration- William and Mary

English Bill of Rights Monarch could not raise taxes or keep an army

without Parliament’s approval. No laws could be suspended. Parliament will meet often. Guaranteed individual rights (i.e. Trial by jury,

habeas corpus) No Catholic could become monarch (This was known

as the Act of Settlement) Toleration Act- granted rights to some Protestant

groups. No toleration for Catholics still. Why might William & Mary / Parliament have

passed laws such as these?Mary has no heirs and her sister, Anne, comes to the throne next.

Queen Anne

1707- Parliament unites England + Ireland + Scotland= Great Britain

Needed a cabinet to help her rule—advisors from the majority party in Parliament

Had no heirs—throne would be passed to the children of the granddaughter of James I (the Divine Right king)

The Hanovers German family, married into the

English royal line, continued the use of the cabinet.

George I Spoke little English Relied heavily on his cabinet PM= Robert Walpole

George II Continued the development of the office of

Prime Minister George III

King during the American Revolution Suffered from the hereditary disease,

porphyria

Absolute vs. Constitutional: The New Model

President

Absolute Monarch

Constitutional Monarch (head of state)

Head of gov’t

Head of gov’t

Head of state(ceremonial duties)

Head of state

Prime minister is head of gov’t & leads Parliament