The Evolution of the English Parliament: From Monarchical Counsel to Modern Governance

The Parliament of England, which served as the legislature of the Kingdom of England from the 13th century until its merger into the Parliament of Great Britain in 1707, has a rich and transformative history. Its evolution reflects the steady shift of power from absolute monarchy toward a more representative system—a shift that has left a profound legacy on governance worldwide.

Casey Adams

10/27/20243 min read

Early Beginnings: The Great Council and the Rise of Parliament

The origins of the English Parliament trace back to the early medieval "Great Council," a body of bishops and noble advisors convened by the monarch.

During these sessions, high-ranking clergy and noblemen would gather to advise on matters of state, though the monarch retained most authority.

The term "Parliament" (from the French parlement, meaning a place of discussion) began to take root during the reign of Henry III (1216–1272) as this advisory council’s function expanded beyond mere counsel to more influential roles.

Key Development: Consent for Taxation

One of the most groundbreaking developments in Parliament’s evolution was establishing the principle that the king could not levy taxes without Parliament's consent.

This milestone, set in the early 13th century under King John's reign and solidified under Henry III, was a crucial check on the monarchy.

It laid the groundwork for what would become the principle of "no taxation without representation," a cornerstone of the English constitutional system that later influenced democratic movements globally.

Major Figures in Parliament's Early History

  • Simon de Montfort: Often called the "father of Parliament," Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester, led a rebellion against Henry III and, in 1265, called an assembly that included commoners for the first time. This gathering marked a pivotal moment, as it brought lesser landholders and common citizens into the fold, broadening Parliament’s representative base.

  • Edward I: During Edward I’s reign (1272–1307), Parliament took on a more organized structure, with the Model Parliament of 1295 serving as a template for future sessions. This gathering included knights and burgesses (representatives of the towns), further institutionalizing the inclusion of commoners and setting precedents for the bicameral system of Lords and Commons.

Parliament in the 18th Century: The Influence of Lord North

Moving into the 18th century, Lord North emerged as one of the most significant figures in Parliament’s history.

As Prime Minister from 1770 to 1782, North played a critical role in shaping British policies, especially in relation to the American colonies.

His backing of key revenue acts, including the Stamp Act and Sugar Act, was instrumental in Britain's attempt to consolidate control over colonial finances.

These acts aimed to alleviate Britain’s debt from the Seven Years' War but sparked resistance and fueled colonial discontent, laying the groundwork for the American Revolution.

Despite growing colonial opposition, Lord North pushed through Parliament’s Intolerable Acts as a means to assert authority, particularly after the Boston Tea Party.

However, these policies, though passed with parliamentary support, were widely unpopular and are often considered to have exacerbated tensions with the colonies, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

North's political legacy also includes the Treaty of Paris (1783), where Britain officially recognized American independence.

Although North had resigned before the treaty’s finalization, his tenure in Parliament underscored the complexities of imperial governance and the shifting power dynamics that Britain faced during the age of colonial expansion.

Parliament’s Transformation to 1707 and Beyond

The evolution of Parliament’s role and composition reached a key milestone in 1707 with the Union of England and Scotland, merging the two nations' parliaments to form the Parliament of Great Britain.

Though the independent Parliament of England ceased, its foundational structures, laws, and guiding principles continued within the British legislative framework.

The 18th century saw Parliament increasingly involved in foreign affairs and colonial policies, a reflection of Britain’s expanding empire and a testament to Parliament’s growing influence over both domestic and international policy.

Conclusion

The English Parliament's evolution represents the steady transition from absolute monarchical rule to a representative system rooted in the public’s interest.

Figures like Lord North underscore Parliament’s role not only in governance but in shaping colonial relations and imperial policies.

From its early days as a council of advisors to its role as a powerful legislative institution, the legacy of Parliament has influenced governance structures around the world, championing the enduring principles of accountability, balanced governance, and the protection of citizens’ rights.