The Republican government 1649-60

• What was the content of the Instrument of Government?


  1. The government would be by a Lord protectorate(Cromwell)and a Council of State.
  2. Parliament would have a single chamber of 460 members from all 3 kingdoms to meet every 3 years.
  3. Right to vote was restricted to men who owned property.
  4. National Church was established.
• What new constitution was designed by John Lambert?


  Instrument of Government.
• Why was the instrument of government not widely accepted?


  It lacked popular support because it was seen as illegitimate for not being ratified by parliament.
• The instrument of government introduced the first protectorate parliament when issued in 1654.
• The rump was dissolved by Oliver Cromwell on 20 April 1653 as they failed to reform in the manner that Cromwell wanted as he wanted godly reform.
• On July 1653, the rump was replaced by the nominated assembly which consisted of 144 MPs chosen by army leaders for their godliness.
• The rump parliament passed the Blasphemy Act in august 1650 to curb religious enthusiasm and they passed the Toleration Act in September 1650 which made it not a crime to attend church on Sundays as long as one takes part in religious service each week.
• Oliver Cromwell as lord protector faced bitter resentment from the Republican MPs who he had excluded from office by dissolving the rump. This caused instability as the first parliament refused to ratify the instrument of government causing him to dissolve them.
• Why did Cromwell choose to refuse the crown ?


  He did this because taking the crown will mean he would have to go along with the old constitution making his desire for reforms less likely. He also believed the throne was cursed.
• What did the first protectorate parliament attack when the were brought into action in 1654?


  The instrument of government and the high cost of the standing army.
• How did Cromwell try to lessen the opposition from the first protectorate parliament?


  He tried to make them take an oath of loyalty to the protectorate.
• What was the result of Cromwell's oath of loyalty?


  This resulted in the exclusion of 100 members who refused to swear allegiance.
• Why did Cromwell dissolve the first protectorate parliament in January 1655?


  He did this because they refused to pas his 84 ordinances and were determined in restricting the powers given to Cromwell.
• How long did the first protectorate parliament last?


  It lasted 5 months.
• What led Cromwell to implement the major generals?


  A royalist uprising in Wiltshire led by John Penruddock in the spring of 1655.
• Why were the major generals unpopular?


  They were seen to supress widely enjoyed activities e.g. horse riding.
• The Humble petition and advice was issued in 1657 by the second protectorate parliament and the army.
• What did the humble petition of advice entail?

  1. The government be run by the king [Cromwell disagreed and it was changed to lord protector].
  2. The lords and commons govern with the Lord protector.
  3. Hereditary succession.
  4. Parliament control the army.
  5. Regular elections and limited religious toleration.
• Cromwell did not accept the Crown when given it by the humble petition of advice.
• Cromwell died in September 1658.
• Who succeeded Cromwell after his death?


  Richard Cromwell's son.
• Why was Richard not accepted when he succeeded Cromwell?


  This was because he was a civilian and had no experience.
• Richard wad forced to resign in 1659.
• What happened after Richard Cromwell resigned in 1659?


  The rump was recalled.
• In January 1660, General Monck entered London and re established the long parliament which had formerly been purged by Thomas Pride.
• Why was the long parliament re called?


  It was the last legitimate parliament.