CHARLES II --- 1660 to 1685
He knew not to overpower Parliament, or else the same would happen. So he worked very closely with them. Charles was Catholic but kept it a secret, because Parliament was passing laws against Catholics and Puritans.
JAMES II --- 1685 to 1688
Son of Charles I. Catholics during this time wanted to restore the Catholic Church. He openly opposed the Magna Carta and the Petition of Rights. At First, Parliament tollerated him, because they knew he had 2 daughters that were Protestants. But James II married again to a Catholic, and they had a son. Parliament knew that this would cause problems. So Parliament invited James's daughter and William of Orange to take the throne. The is referred to as "The Bloodless Revolution", this began the Constitutional Monarchy.
WILLIAM I and MARY I --- 1688 to 1702
Had Joint Rule (both of them were on the throne at the same time) They were invited only if they were to agree to certain limits on their power. The English Bill of Rights was set up in 1689;
1. King MUST enforce all laws passed by parliament.
2. NO excessive bail of fines, should be impossed, NO cruel or unusual punishment enflicted.
3. NO taxes without the consent of Parliament.
4. Freedom of Speech & Debate in Parliament without fear of punishment.
Act of Settlement was then setup;
Only a Protestant could be a ruler.
The Bill of Rights became the most important document. The Monarch now had to accept the fact that Parliament was higher than the Monarch.
ANNE --- 1702 to 1714
2nd Daughter of James II.
Set up the Act of Union -
Joined England & Scotland under One Crown & Parliament( became Great Britain) She selected only members of the majority party to the King's cabinet.
