Instrument 1653

• What was established by Lambert's Instrument of Government in 1653?

  The Protectorate
• What was significant about the Instrument of Government?

  It was Britain's first written constitution
• What relationship did Lambert aim to clarify through the Instrument of Government?

  The relationship between Cromwell, the Council, and Parliament
• How many clauses comprised Lambert's Instrument of Government?

  42 clauses
• What were the key features of the Instrument of Government?

  • Protector: Head of State
  • Parliament elected every three years
  • Council of State: central role in governance
  • Militia controlled by Protector and Parliament
• Why was the role of Protector constructed deliberately by Lambert?

  To balance parliamentary power and prevent excess
• What political reality did Lambert acknowledge through the Instrument of Government?

  There would have to be minority rule
• What was Cromwell's position after the establishment of the Protectorate?

  He became Lord Protector
• What were Cromwell's two key aims as Lord Protector?

  Healing and settling the nation, religious reformation
• What did 'healing and settling' the nation mean for Cromwell?

  Establishing a stable form of new government
• What did Cromwell aim to establish through religious and social reformation?

  A society dominated by Puritan ideas
• Who ran the state before the first Protectorate Parliament?

  Cromwell, Lambert, and councillors
• What could Cromwell and the Council of State do between Parliament sittings?

  Legislate by ordinances
• How many ordinances did Cromwell and the Council bring in between December 1653 and September 1654?

  83 ordinances
• What was the main focus of most ordinances brought in by Cromwell and the Council?

  Improving the tax-collecting system
• How were the powers of the Protector and Parliament limited?

  Both had defined limits on their powers
• Who was the dominant force in governance despite the Council of State's role?

  Cromwell