Supremacy of Parliament

Definition

The Supremacy of Parliament refers to the principle that the legislative body has ultimate authority over all other institutions in the state, including the executive and judiciary. This concept emerged prominently in England during the 17th century, marking a shift away from absolute monarchy and asserting the importance of parliamentary sovereignty in governance and law-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept became firmly established after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when William of Orange took the throne and accepted conditions that enhanced parliamentary power.
2. The Supremacy of Parliament is reflected in the notion that no parliament can bind its successors; each new parliament has the right to make or repeal any law.
3. This principle was challenged during periods of absolute monarchy but was solidified by key documents such as the Bill of Rights 1689.
4. The Supremacy of Parliament laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance, influencing political systems beyond England.
5. It implies that laws passed by Parliament cannot be challenged or invalidated by other authorities, including courts or the monarch.

Review Questions

• How did the English Civil War contribute to establishing the Supremacy of Parliament?
  • The English Civil War played a crucial role in establishing the Supremacy of Parliament by highlighting conflicts between the monarchy and parliamentary authority. As tensions rose, Parliamentarians sought greater control over governance, ultimately leading to a power shift that diminished royal authority. The conflict culminated in the execution of King Charles I, which symbolized a significant assertion of parliamentary power and paved the way for future legislation affirming its supremacy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bill of Rights 1689 on the relationship between Parliament and the monarchy.
  • The Bill of Rights 1689 significantly altered the relationship between Parliament and the monarchy by formally limiting royal powers and affirming parliamentary supremacy. It outlined specific rights for citizens and established that no laws could be suspended or created without Parliament's consent. This legal framework reinforced the idea that Parliament held ultimate authority in governance, thereby preventing future monarchs from asserting absolute rule and ensuring a constitutional monarchy.
• Analyze how the Supremacy of Parliament influenced other countries' approaches to governance in Europe during the Age of Absolutism.
  • The Supremacy of Parliament had profound implications for governance in Europe during the Age of Absolutism, inspiring movements toward constitutionalism in various nations. As England demonstrated that a legislative body could limit monarchical power, other countries began exploring similar frameworks, seeking to balance authority between rulers and representatives. This shift contributed to rising demands for democratic governance and legal equality across Europe, ultimately challenging absolutist regimes and influencing revolutions aimed at establishing parliamentary systems.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or legislative body, ensuring that the authority of parliament is supreme.

Bill of Rights 1689: A landmark document that established limits on the powers of the crown and reaffirmed parliamentary authority following the Glorious Revolution.

English Civil War: A series of conflicts from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians and Royalists, which ultimately led to the establishment of parliamentary sovereignty over monarchy.