APEURO: Unit 3, Absolutism and Constitutionalism - Constitutionalism in England, English Civil War, Glorious Revolution, Bill of Rights

Why This Matters

Constitutionalism in England, particularly the English Civil War, Glorious Revolution, and Bill of Rights, is crucial for understanding the development of modern democracy and the protection of individual rights. This period's emphasis on constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the separation of powers laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and the creation of the US Constitution. As an AP theme, this topic connects to Politics and Power, highlighting the ongoing struggle between monarchs, parliaments, and citizens for control and representation.

Key Events & People

• English Civil War (1642-1651): A series of conflicts between Royalists (supporting King Charles I) and Parliamentarians (supporting Parliament) that ultimately led to the execution of Charles I and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
• Glorious Revolution (1688): A bloodless revolution that saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne, establishing constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament.
• Bill of Rights (1689): A document that protected individual rights and liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, and limited the power of the monarch.
• John Locke (1632-1704): A philosopher who argued for the social contract, natural rights, and the role of government in protecting individual liberties.
• Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658): A military leader who served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and implemented various reforms, including the establishment of a new constitution.
• William III (1650-1702): A Dutch prince who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and worked to establish constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament.
• Mary II (1662-1694): The daughter of King James II and Queen Mary of Modena, who became Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland alongside her husband William III.
• Charles I (1600-1649): King of England, Scotland, and Ireland who was executed in 1649 for treason against Parliament.
• James II (1633-1701): King of England, Scotland, and Ireland who was overthrown in the Glorious Revolution and forced into exile.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The English Civil War led to the execution of King Charles I.
• Effect: The execution of Charles I led to the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
• Long-term consequence: The establishment of a republic under Cromwell laid the groundwork for the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of constitutional monarchy.
• Cause: The Glorious Revolution led to the establishment of constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament.
• Effect: The establishment of constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament led to the creation of the Bill of Rights.
• Long-term consequence: The Bill of Rights protected individual rights and liberties, influencing the development of modern democracy.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Constitutionalism*: A system of government in which power is divided between a monarch and a parliament, with the monarch's power limited by a constitution or a bill of rights.
• *Social Contract*: An idea that individuals give up some of their natural rights in exchange for protection and security provided by a government.
• *Natural Rights*: Rights that are inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property.
• *Separation of Powers*: A system of government in which power is divided between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• *Parliament*: The legislative body of England, Scotland, and Ireland that advised the monarch and made laws.
• *Monarchy*: A system of government in which a monarch holds supreme power.
• *Republic*: A system of government in which power is held by the people or their elected representatives.
• *Bill of Rights*: A document that protects individual rights and liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.
• *Glorious Revolution*: A bloodless revolution that saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne.
• *English Civil War*: A series of conflicts between Royalists and Parliamentarians that ultimately led to the execution of King Charles I.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: Confusing the English Civil War with the Glorious Revolution.
• Correction: The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians, while the Glorious Revolution (1688) was a bloodless revolution that saw the overthrow of King James II.
• What students often get wrong: Believing that the Bill of Rights was created during the English Civil War.
• Correction: The Bill of Rights was created in 1689, after the Glorious Revolution, to protect individual rights and liberties.
• What students often get wrong: Thinking that Oliver Cromwell was a monarch.
• Correction: Oliver Cromwell was a military leader who served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, but he was not a monarch.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of constitutionalism in the development of modern democracy. Use evidence from the English Civil War, Glorious Revolution, and Bill of Rights to support your argument.
• Possible evidence: The Bill of Rights (1689), John Locke's Second Treatise of Government (1689), and the Glorious Revolution (1688).
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Glorious Revolution on the relationship between the monarch and Parliament. Use evidence from the revolution and its aftermath to support your argument.
• Possible evidence: The Declaration of Rights (1689), the Bill of Rights (1689), and the writings of John Locke.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the English Civil War? Answer: The conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians over power and representation. Explanation: The English Civil War was a complex conflict with multiple causes, but the main cause was the struggle for power between the monarch and Parliament.
2. Who was the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland after the English Civil War? Answer: Oliver Cromwell. Explanation: Oliver Cromwell was a military leader who served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1658.
3. What was the significance of the Glorious Revolution? Answer: The Glorious Revolution established constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament. Explanation: The Glorious Revolution marked a significant turning point in English history, establishing the supremacy of Parliament and limiting the power of the monarch.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The English Civil War lasted from 1642 to 1651.
• The Bill of Rights was created in 1689.
• The Glorious Revolution saw the overthrow of King James II in 1688.
• Oliver Cromwell was executed in 1658.
• The Declaration of Rights was created in 1689.
• John Locke's Second Treatise of Government was published in 1689.
• The separation of powers was established in the English Constitution.
• The monarch's power was limited by the Bill of Rights.
• The Glorious Revolution established constitutional monarchy.
• The English Civil War was fought between Royalists and Parliamentarians.