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Magna Carta (1215):
Also known as theThe "Great Charter". It was a document that outlined the agreement between King John and the English barons of that time. It limited royal power for the first time by establishing the principle that the monarch is subject to the law. It also protected certain rights such as habeas corpus (protection against unlawful imprisonment). This was the first instance of constitutional limits on monarchy. -
Bill of Rights (1689):
This act set out further limits on the powers of the monarch. By doing so, it also established key rights for Parliament. These include: elections, freedom of speech in Parliament, and the requirement for regular parliaments. It laid the foundation for a country governed by its people, a system we now refer to as constitutional monarchy. -
Act of Settlement (1701):
Determined the succession to the English throne. It ensured only Protestants could become the monarch. Furthermore, it limited royal power and reinforced the independence of the judiciary. -
Acts of Union (1707):
United the kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. It created a single Parliament at Westminster and laid the basis for the modern UK state. -
Parliament Acts (1911 & 1949):
These acts reduced the power of the House of Lords, ensuring that the House of Commons became the dominant chamber. The 1911 Act removed the Lords' power to veto money bills and limited their ability to delay other legislation. The 1949 Act further reduced the Lords' delaying power.
