England: Cradle of Parliamentary Government – Key Points

These question-and-answer flashcards cover the rise of Parliament, key Tudor, Stuart, and Hanover monarchs, major constitutional documents, civil conflict, and the evolution of English parliamentary democracy.

What key factor prevented England from becoming an absolute monarchy like France?

The power of the British aristocracy, who limited the king’s authority and upheld constitutional rights.

Which two houses make up the British Parliament?

The House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Why is England called the “Mother of Parliament”?

Because it developed an early parliamentary democracy that influenced many other nations.

Who was the first Tudor king and what war did he end?

Henry VII (1485-1509); he ended the Wars of the Roses.

Which two families fought in the Wars of the Roses and what symbols represented them?

House of York (white rose) and House of Lancaster (red rose).

Which English king established the Anglican Church?

Henry VIII.

Name Henry VIII’s six wives in order.

Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr.

Which two of Henry VIII’s wives were executed?

Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

List two notable actions of Henry VIII besides his marriages.

Fought wars with France and Scotland; quarreled with Rome over religion and morality.

What major naval victory occurred under Elizabeth I in 1588?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Give two cultural or political achievements of Elizabeth I’s reign.

Flourishing of English literature and the founding of colonies in America.

Which dynasty followed the Tudors and who was its first king?

The Stuart dynasty; its first king was James I (1603-1625).

Name two of James I’s policies or actions.

Persecuted Puritans and raised import taxes on tobacco; also wrote "Counter-blast to Tobacco" and authorized the King James Bible.

Which English king was forced to sign the Petition of Right in 1628?

Charles I.

Give two protections guaranteed by the Petition of Right (1628).

No taxation without Parliament’s consent and no imprisonment without trial.

What were the two opposing sides in the English Civil War (Puritan Revolution)?

Royalists or Cavaliers vs. Parliamentarians or Roundheads.

Who led the Parliamentarian forces and won the Battle of Naseby (1645)?

Oliver Cromwell.

Which English monarch was executed in 1649, becoming the first European king impeached by Parliament?

Charles I.

After 1649 England became a Commonwealth. Who ruled as “Lord Protector” starting in 1653?

Oliver Cromwell.

Name one social restriction imposed by Cromwell’s Puritan government.

Bans on dancing, gambling, or theater (any one).

Which two major works of literature were produced during the Puritan Age?

John Milton’s "Paradise Lost" and John Bunyan’s "Pilgrim’s Progress."

What event in 1660 returned the monarchy to England and who became king?

The Stuart Restoration; Charles II became king.

Why is the revolution of 1688–89 called “Glorious”?

Because William of Orange took the throne peacefully, without bloodshed.

Name two rights protected by the English Bill of Rights (1689).

No cruel or unusual punishment; no taxation without Parliament’s consent (any two of the five listed).

What broader significance did the Glorious Revolution have for world history?

It affirmed parliamentary supremacy, undermined divine-right monarchy, and influenced the American and French revolutions.

Under which monarch did the Cabinet system begin to develop?

Queen Anne (1702-1714).

What 1709 parliamentary act united England and Scotland?

The Act of Union.

Which royal house succeeded the Stuarts, and what was notable about its first three kings?

The House of Hanover; Georges I, II, III were weak and dominated by Parliament.

Who is regarded as Britain’s first prime minister and how long did he dominate government?

Sir Robert Walpole; he held power for 21 years (1721-1742).