English Parliament

Definition

The English Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It has played a crucial role in shaping English political history, particularly in establishing principles of representation and limiting monarchical power, which influenced colonial governance and interactions with Native Americans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The English Parliament emerged in the late 13th century as a response to the need for a system that represented various social classes and regions within England.
2. Key historical events like the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution significantly shaped the powers and functions of Parliament, reinforcing its role as a counterbalance to royal authority.
3. The concept of 'no taxation without representation' became prominent during colonial disputes, reflecting the influence of parliamentary principles on American colonists' views about governance.
4. Parliament's decisions impacted colonial policies, including land treaties with Native Americans, as lawmakers sought to manage expansion while addressing indigenous rights.
5. The gradual evolution of Parliament laid the foundation for modern democratic systems, emphasizing the importance of representative government both in England and its colonies.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the English Parliament influence political representation in the American colonies?
  • The establishment of the English Parliament introduced principles of representation that were critical for shaping governance in the American colonies. Colonial assemblies were created in emulation of Parliament, allowing colonists to have a voice in their local governance. This reflection on representation led to growing dissatisfaction with British rule when colonists felt their rights were not being honored, culminating in significant resistance against imposed taxes without direct representation.
• In what ways did conflicts between Parliament and the monarchy affect colonial policies regarding Native American interactions?
  • Conflicts between Parliament and the monarchy often led to shifts in colonial policies regarding interactions with Native Americans. As Parliament sought to impose control over colonial governance, it influenced decisions such as land treaties and expansion strategies. The need to manage relationships with indigenous groups while balancing imperial interests resulted in legislation that could either protect Native rights or prioritize colonial expansion, impacting how colonists engaged with Native American communities.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Parliamentary governance on modern democratic systems, particularly in relation to former colonies.
  • The long-term implications of Parliamentary governance are significant as they laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems across many former colonies. The principles established by the English Parliament regarding representation, accountability, and law-making influenced independence movements around the world. Former colonies adopted similar legislative structures that emphasized representative democracy, reflecting a shared heritage that values citizen participation in governance and laying the foundation for contemporary political systems worldwide.

Related terms

Magna Carta: A charter agreed upon in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and laid the groundwork for the development of parliamentary democracy.

House of Commons: The lower house of Parliament, composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected to represent constituencies across England.

Colonial Assemblies: Legislative bodies formed in the American colonies that were modeled after the English Parliament, allowing for local representation and governance.