Constitutionalism In 1215 Magna Canta

Constitutionalism Constitutionalism is a set of ideas, attitudes, and patterns of behavior that have to do with the limitation of authority held by government by fundamental laws. In 1215 Magna Canta was on of these documents that limited the government’s power and focuses on rights and tradition. These laws had been established after Parliament was continuously over stepped by higher authority, such as earlier kings like James I and, “Lord Protector”, Oliver Cromwell. James I ruled England during 1603-1625 while still King of Scotland. Scotland was based on a divine-right monarchy which was different from England, due to the fact Parliament was a major contributor. James I was ignorant to Parliament and English institutions and advocated
Charles also did not believe in Parliament, which caused conflict when he sold titles, forced loans, and had imprisoned many commoners without trial. Parliament began to act against those immoral actions and forced a Petition of Rights to be signed in order to stop his wrong doing. Eventually Parliament had enough of Charles not obeying laws and petition causing the Civil War of 1642-1699, which is where Oliver Cromwell takes control of England and gives himself the title of “Lord Protector.” Cromwell was not an honorable man in the eyes of England, he had forced his way upon commoners and did not tolerate those who disapproved of his power. He showed them who held authority by threatening all of those who held doubt to accumulate power. He did not tolerate those who disapproved of his power or those who mocked his power, and showed them who held authority by threatening all of those who held doubt. Although Cromwell had denied the Crown to England it was a political strategy in order to gain supporters and not be deemed as a hypocrite. Thomas Hobbs, a writer during the English Revolution, describes the nature of man when in a disagreement, “First, competition; secondly, insecurity; thirdly, glory. The first, makes men invade for gain; second, for safety; and the third, for reputation.” Although Hobbs was talking about man in general this can be related to Oliver Cromwell and his power trip. Cromwell used his authority in the Civil War to gain political power over other competition as a personal gain to have what he thought was right casted upon commoners. He was self reliant and thought of him self as a glorious man, which can be seen by his title “Lord Protector.” However, Cromwell was guilty of many crimes, none of which being death, leading to “hell-fire,” as stated by Edward Hyde. Parliament finally took one last stand against authority, that attempted to overrule,