Chapter 42: Fundamental Texts in the UK 2014 1) The Norman Dawn: Since the victory of Hastings in 1066, the English political system has continued to evolve; firstly with William the conqueror who replaced the old assemblies by a great council that will gradually become the common council. MILESTONES : •
1066 :Battle of Hasting and Creation of the Common Council •
1215: Magna Carta •
1259:Provisions of Westminster •
1628:Petition of Rights •
1679:Habeas Corpus Act •
1689:Bill of Rights •
1832-­‐1928:Reforms 2) The Magna Carta: In 1215, King John Lackland resigned to sign the Magna Carta, this iconic text that became a sort of Constitution, limiting royal power, regulating the relations of the various powers, stating the fact that the king is not above the law, cannot transgress it or raise abusive taxes. Genuine cornerstone of freedoms and democracy English, the cancellation by the pope led to a civil war and the death of King John in 1216. 3) The Oxford and Westminster Provisions: It is in 1258 that the Earl of Leicester forced Henry III to sign the Provisions of Oxford which marked the end of absolute monarchy. A committee was created, which initiated the English Parliamentary system, by launching a constitutional reform entitled the Provisions of Westminster (1259) .That reforms had to be reaffirmed in the 1267 statute of Marlborough since the annulations of the former Provisions by the Pope led to a Baron’s war from 1263 to 1267. 4) The Petition of Rights: In 1628 rights and liberties of common people were established. For instance Charles I, the king could not anymore levy taxes without the Parliament agreement, his contempt for the petition led to the 1642-­‐1649 civil war. 5)Habeas Corpus: this law is in connection with abusive imprisonment and refers directly to the Magna Carta, stating the fact that no one can be jailed ,outlawed and deprived of his rights without reason. 6) The Bill of Rights: In 1689 thirteen point were enounced in order to strengthen the power of the Parliament over the crown which is the only organism which can levy a law, taxes, raise an army .Furthermore, the Parliament is now elected freely, with an entire freedom of speech, his debates could not anymore be cancelled or impeached. Acts 7) The reform Bills: The 1832 first reform Bill (see below) allowed any male citizen over 21 who paid a rent to vote; but it was not until the third reform of 1884 that almost all men over 21 can vote with the creations of universal ballot. It was only in 1918 that the First women were enfranchised the right to vote and in 1928 they acquired the same status than men about vote. The 1969 Representation Act reduced the age of voting to 18, still excluding particular groups.