HOMEWORK READING QUESTIONS English Democracy

1. Describe how money and religion were the source of conflict between the English
monarchs (James I and CharlesI ) and Parliament.
What rights did Parliament win from the Crown as a result?
As a result of Charles I’s constant need for money due to wars, the parliament
made the king sign the Petition of Rights. Even though Charles I completely
ignored the document, the document has made an impact on later kings and also
many places around the world. This document made it clear that no King of
England is or ever will be above the law. The United States also added many of
these ideals in their constitution, specifically the bill of rights. Every time
2. Identify the competing sides in the English Civil War and describe how the Civil
War broke out.
What was the result of the war and what was the significance of the ultimate fate
of Charles I
The two sides of th English Civil War were the Royalists who supported Charles I
and the other side were the roundheads, which were the puritan supporters of
the parliament. At first neither sides were able to gain an advantage. But once
the roundheads brought in General Oliver Cromwell, his army began defeating
the Royalists and held the king prisoner. He was brought to trial and was charged
with treason and was sentenced to death. This was significant because all
previous kings were either overthrown, assassinated or killed.
3. In what way did Oliver Cromwell BOTH advance and hinder the cause of English
democracy? Give SPECIFIC examples to support BOTH sides.
Advance: He abolished monarchy and had a constitution drafted by his associate
John Lambert. Made laws that promoted Puritan morality. Favored religious
tolerance, allowed Jews to return

Hinder:Tore up the constitution and became a military dictator.

4. Describe the role religion played during the Restoration years (Charles II and
James II). What tensions arose between the monarchy and Parliament?
James displayed Catholicism and appointed several Catholics to high office
which violated English rule and led to his demise. He dissolved the parliament
once again when they protested against having Catholics in the “government”.
During Chales II’s rule, the parliament once again added laws that restricted
even more of the king’s power. Two political party system grew during this period
of time.
5. What was the Glorious Revolution and explain why it is sometimes referred to by
historians as the beginning of modern British (and to some extent American)
democracy?
The Glorious Revolution is the bloodless overthrow of James II. The leaders of
this revolution were James II’s daughter Mary and her husband William. The two
quickly recognized the parliament as their partner in governing and allowed for
laws to limit a monarch’s power. From there also grew a bill of rights which the
American founding fathers also used in their constitution. The cabinet system
was also developed and is still used in England as well as the United States
today.