Development

• Magna Carta (1215)

  Agreement between King John and barons.

  Largely a concession to the demands of the nobles, stating no-one should be deprived of liberty of property without due process of law.

  Increased rights of the individual.
• 13th Century


  Nobles and other interest groups gained representation in assembly (parliament), who met to advise the monarch, consent to taxation and pass laws.

  Reduced monarchs power.

  Established parliament.
• English Civil War


  England briefly became a republic.

  Established parliamentary dominance over the monarch and future monarchs.

  Gradual reforms meant by the 19th century the UK had a constitutional monarch who ruled on advice given by ministers.
• Bill Of Rights (1689)


  Passed by parliament after arbitrary rule of King James II, who was driven from the throne in the 'Glorious Revolution'.

  Included provisions for; Regular parliaments, free elections, freedom of speech within parliament.

  Increased rights of the individual.
• 17th Century


  Recognised that the judiciary should be independent of political influence and control.

  Judges increasingly important in upholding law.

  Nobody, including government, should be above law.

  Reduced power of Westminster.
• Act Of Settlement (1701)


  Ensured James II (Catholic) and his heirs would have no claim to the throne, Catholics were seen as dictatorial.

  Established the rights of parliament to determine the line of succession for the throne.

  Reduced monarchs power.
• Act Of Union (1707)

  Unified England and Scotland into one political union.

  Brought together parts of the UK.
• 19th and 20th Century

  Between 1832 and 1969 voting criteria was changed and the franchise extended.

  Every adult over 18 could now vote.

  Increased rights of the individual.
• Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949


  The 1911 Act meant lords could not delay money bills and could only delay other bills by two years.

  The 1949 Act reduced this to 1 year.

  Increased power of the Commons.
• European Communities Act (1972)


  Passed by Heath's conservative government.

  The act brought the UK into the European Economic Community.

  Established that EU took precedent of UK law.

  Defined international relations.
• Devolution (1990s)


  Devolved assemblies were established in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, following referendums in each of the separate nations.

  Reduced power of Westminster.
• 2020

  Britain's membership of the EU formally ended, new deal formed with UK.

  Defined international relations.