Ms. Simonsen\’s World History Class

common law – reflected customs and principles over time

feudalism – central governments collapsing into smaller kingdoms

Magna Carta (1215) – English document outlining civil rights and liberties

Parliament – England’s national legislature

divine right – monarchs were chosen by God

constitutional monarchy – powers of a king restricted by written law

English Bill of Rights (1689) – formal summary of the rights and liberties of all Englishmen

Glorious Revolution (1689) – overthrow of James II and the strengthening of Parliament

Henry II – king of England (1154) who broadened system of royal justice

absolute monarch – ruler with complete authority over government and people

Oliver Cromwell – statesman who helped make England a republic and then ruled as lord protector from 1653 to 1658

habeas corpus – principle that a person cannot be held in prison without first being charged with a specific crime

limited monarchy – government in which a constitutional or legislative body limit the monarch’s powers