Dissolve Parliament

Definition

Dissolving Parliament refers to the formal act of ending a parliamentary session or the dissolution of a legislative body, leading to new elections. This term is significant during the 16th and 17th centuries as it often reflected the struggle between monarchs and their parliaments, illustrating the tension between royal authority and the emerging concepts of representative governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissolving Parliament was commonly used by monarchs like Charles I, who dissolved Parliament multiple times in attempts to rule without it.
2. The act of dissolution often led to increased tensions between the crown and Parliament, contributing to political conflicts such as the English Civil War.
3. Dissolution could be a strategic move for a monarch to regain control or push for new elections when parliamentary support was lacking.
4. The Long Parliament was convened in 1640 and was not dissolved until 1660, marking a significant shift towards parliamentary power over royal authority.
5. Dissolution of Parliament played a key role in shaping modern constitutional monarchy by highlighting the need for a balance between royal prerogative and representative governance.

Review Questions

• How did the practice of dissolving Parliament reflect the struggle for power between English monarchs and Parliament during the 16th and 17th centuries?
  • The practice of dissolving Parliament showcased the ongoing struggle for power as monarchs attempted to assert their authority over legislative bodies. Kings like Charles I frequently dissolved Parliament when faced with opposition or demands for reform, which often led to political unrest. This tension escalated into significant conflicts, such as the English Civil War, where the authority of the monarchy was directly challenged by those seeking more parliamentary power.
• Analyze how the dissolution of Parliament contributed to the events leading up to the English Civil War and its subsequent impact on governance in England.
  • The dissolution of Parliament played a crucial role in escalating tensions that ultimately led to the English Civil War. Monarchs who dissolved Parliament often sought to govern without consent, which alienated many factions within society who felt disenfranchised. The resulting conflict resulted in significant changes to governance, leading to a temporary overthrow of monarchy during Cromwell's rule and setting a precedent for future parliamentary sovereignty.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of dissolving Parliament on the development of constitutional monarchy in England.
  • The long-term effects of dissolving Parliament were significant in shaping constitutional monarchy in England. By illustrating the potential for conflict between royal authority and parliamentary governance, these dissolutions paved the way for reforms that emphasized a balance of power. The shift from absolute monarchy towards a system where parliamentary approval became necessary for governance ultimately laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles in England.

Related terms

Divine Right of Kings: A political doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is derived directly from God, leading to the belief that kings have absolute power.

Cromwellian Rule: The period of Oliver Cromwell's leadership in England from 1653 to 1658, characterized by the abolishment of monarchy and Parliament's significant shift in power.

English Civil War: A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists from 1642 to 1651, fundamentally altering the structure of English governance.