Учебный год 22-23 / text1 unit2

Romodanova Olga 202

Text 2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UK CONSTITUTION

The text concerns with the development of the UK constitution. Dating from the “Glorious Revolution” of 1688 it draws its main principles and institutions from medieval times or even earlier. After escape of James II William of Orange and his wife Mary came to the throne. During their reign the Bill of Rights 1689 was enacted. It enshrined principles which had been fought over earlier in the century. Power of monarch was limited by Parliament in questions of taxes, army and changing legislation.

Although, in 1688 Parliament was not a democratic body in the modern sense, the basic legal framework was laid down: Crown, House of Lords, and House of Commons.

One reason why British don’t have written constitution is that reign of William and Mary had no legal authority but supporting of the Dutch Navy and conservatism of the previous constitution marked a complete break in the constitution.

Quarrels between Parliament and King continued until 1641 when they found a compromise, but after Civil War of 1642-8 Oliver Cromwell created a written constitution. It was ineffective so old traditional constitution was returned. Cromwell's constitution was expunged from the official records. This uneasy stalemate was broken when James began to assert what the Protestant establishment regarded as similar notions of absolute monarchy to those that had cost Charles I his head.