3. English Government Background Flashcards
When did feudalism start?
In 1066 when William the Conquerer became King of England after the Battle of Hastings
What is the heirarchy in the feudal system?
Villeins support knights
Knights support barons
Barons support king
What do barons provide to the king?
Money and knights
What do knights provide to barons?
Protection and military service
What do villeins provide barons?
Food and services when demanded
Who grants land to whom in the feudal system?
Kings grant land to barons
Barons grant land to knights
Kinghts grant land to villeins
How was the kingdom shared?
England was too large for a king, so it shared with the nobles
Nobles owned land, but make a pledge of loyalty to the king
What is the Magna Carta?
A document that the nobles forced King John to sign in 1215 which stated that the nobles will only be loyal if the king protects their rights.
When was Parliament created?
1258
Who created Parliament?
King Henry III
How is Parliament structured?
Representative Government with two houses
Shared power between king and people
What are the two houses in Parliament?
House of Lords (nobles)
House of Commons (knights and common people)
When was the English Bill of Rights signed?
1689
What does the English Bill of Rights say?
The kings can not
- Collect taxes without Parliament’s consent
- Interfere with the right to free speech in Parliament
- Maintain an army during times of peace
- Commit cruel punishments
- Declare laws by Parliament unlawful
What are the branches of the US Government?
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
