Britain Politics - Declarations, Indulgences and Acts

Declaration of Breda

Issued by Charles II in Breda on 4 April 1660, it made a number of promises:

• Co-operation and harmony with the political nation

• An amnesty for actions taken in the years of war and interregnum, except for those who signed the death warrant of Charles I

• The settlement of outstanding issues in partnership with Parliament

• Arrears of pay would be given to the army and religious toleration would continue if the monarchy was restored

Act of Uniformity

Instrument of Government

This was a constitution set out under the First Protectorate Parliament. It served as the constitutional basis for Cromwell’s power, modelled on the Heads of Proposals issued by Ireton in 1647.

• It stated that the Lord Protector would be supported by a Council of State and a single chamber parliament with 460 members.

• Parliaments were to be elected every three years by voters with at least £200 of personal property, and they would sit for a minimum of five months.

• Cromwell would remain head of the New Model Army

• On Cromwell’s death a new Protector would be elected by the Council of State

• This would be a state Church, but freedom of worship was granted for all except Catholics and the supporters of bishops.

• This government would rule over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

The Humble Petition and Advice

This was a new constitutional document offered to Cromwell by the Second Protectorate Parliament.

• Government by a king (changed to Lord Protector when Cromwell refused the Crown)

• The Lords and the Commons to govern with the Protector

• Provision for a hereditary succession

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

• Regular elections and limited religious toleration

Cromwell didn’t accept the Humble Petition and Advice due to his desire for a ‘godly reformation’ and the opposition to the army.

1641 Triennial Act

Militia Act of 1641

This stated that the king alone was in supreme command of the armed forces.

Declaration of Indulgence

Charles I initially tried to pass this in 1662, but was forced to withdraw it. He tried again in 1672.

• It included Catholics, which many suspected was its main purpose.

• It was based on a claim that the monarch’s prerogative powers included the right to ‘dispense with’ i.e. suspend the operation of the law. It involved the suspension of the law for a whole section of the nation on a permanent basis - it challenged the law itself.

This could be maintained as long as Parliament wasn’t in session, but financial problems in 1673 forced Charles to recall parliament.

Grand Remonstrance

A document presented to Charles I in 1641 by Parliament that outlined grievances against him, including demands for reform in governance and the church.