Parliaments / Constitution

• When was the instrument of government established?

  December 16, 1653
• What was the instrument of government?

  England's first written Constitution
• Who was appointed as Lord Protector under the instrument of government?

  Oliver Cromwell
• How did Cromwell's powers compare to those of a monarch?

  Similar executive powers under a republican framework
• What was the intended purpose of the protectorate?

  To provide stable and godly government
• Who initially supported Cromwell in the political Nation?

  The Gentry and wealthy merchants
• What caused tensions to emerge during Cromwell's rule?

  Cromwell's religious policies and centralization of power
• When did the first protectorate Parliament take place?

  1654 to 1655
• What characterized the first protectorate Parliament?

  Friction between Cromwell and Parliament members
• What was Cromwell's response to the challenges against his authority?

  He dissolved the first protectorate Parliament
• What was the time frame for the rule of the major generals?

  1655 to 1657
• Why were major generals appointed?

  To maintain security and enforce reforms
• What was the impact of the major generals on the political Nation?

  They alienated many within the political Nation
• What did the major generals enforce in society?

  Moral and religious reforms
• What tax was imposed by the major generals?

  A dissemination tax on former royalists
• What was the result of the major generals' rule?

  Increased resentment towards Cromwell
• When was the second protectorate Parliament convened?

  1656
• How did Cromwell manipulate the second protectorate Parliament?

  By excluding known opponents from elections
• What was the humble petition and advice?

  A proposal to make Cromwell king
• Why did Cromwell refuse the crown?

  Due to personal convictions against monarchy
• What powers did the modified petition grant Cromwell?

  The right to name his successor
• When did Oliver Cromwell die?

  September 3, 1658
• What was the outcome of Cromwell's death?

  A power vacuum in the protectorate
• Why did Richard Cromwell's rule fail?

  Lacked military support and political skill
• What did the political Nation push for after Richard Cromwell's failure?

  The restoration of the monarchy
• When did the restoration of Charles II occur?

  1660
• Who facilitated the restoration of Charles II?

  General George Monck
• What did the restoration of Charles II signify?

  The end of the Commonwealth protectorate period
• What were the key components of Cromwell's protectorate government?

  • Instrument of Government established in 1653
  • Cromwell as Lord Protector with executive powers
  • Balancing powers between protector, Parliament, and councils
  • Major generals' role in governance and social control
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of Cromwell's protectorate?

  Strengths:

  • Attempted to provide stability
  • Established a written Constitution

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Alienated the political Nation
  • Resentment towards military rule
  • Lack of support for Richard Cromwell