Cromwell (1653-60)

• Nominated Assembly 1653 - formed a committee of four generals which asked the Independent Churches to nominate members for a new parliament. They were to answer to God and enact a godly reformatio.
• Barbones Parliament - the war with the Dutch was continued as trade routes needed to be secured. Legal measures to help debtors were introduced. Regulations concerning the treatment of lunatics were introduced. Civil marriage was allowed, officiated by JPs.
• In December 1653 the moderate members met and voted to dissolve the Assembly. John Lambert introduced the Instrument of Government three days later offering a new constitution.
• The First Protectorate Parliament - Based on the IoG which was designed by Lambert with the Army Council, which stated Lord Protector will be supported by a Council of State and single-chamber parliament with 460 members. Parliaments were supposed to be elected every 3 years and sit for atleast 5 months. There would be a state church with some religious toleration, except Catholics.
• Second Protectorate Parliament - Greater control of the provinces was needed. Centralised military. 11 districts each having a major-general for local government.
• SPP: Commissions of Triers and Ejectors - to supervise the running of the Church with quality of preaching and flexibility of belief. Cromwell was offered the Crown, but he refused.
• The Humble Petition and Advice 1657 - government by a king (Lord Protector when Crown refused)

  Lords and Commons to govern with the Protector

  Provision for hereditary succession

  Parliament to control the army and officers of state to be approved by parliament

  Regular elections and limited religious toleration.
• Third Protectorate Parliament - Richard succeeded his father he had little experience in warfare and was unpopular.