English Parliament
Also called: Parliament · Topic: Medieval Europe: Feudalism and the Three Orders · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "The Three Orders"
Meaning
The English Parliament grew out of the Anglo-Saxon Great Council. Kings had to consult this council before raising taxes. Parliament had two houses. The House of Lords held the lords and the clergy (church leaders). The House of Commons stood for the towns and rural areas. Unlike France's assembly, Parliament kept meeting. That is one reason England kept a monarchy whose power was limited by Parliament.
Example
Charles I ruled without Parliament from 1629 to 1640. He then had to recall it because he needed money. War followed, and Charles was defeated and executed. The republic that followed did not last long. The monarchy came back on the condition that Parliament would meet regularly.
Don't confuse with
- Estates-General: the French assembly was not called at all between 1614 and 1789. The English Parliament met regularly and limited the king.