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Difficulty: HardMagna Carta and the Development of Parliament

The Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 12151215, established the principle that the monarch's power was limited and required consultation with his subjects. By the middle of the 14th14^{\text{th}} century, this consultative tradition had evolved into a formal Parliament. Which of the following accurately describes the structural development of Parliament that occurred during this period?

  1. The Parliament developed into two distinct houses: the House of Lords for the nobility and senior clergy, and the House of Commons for knights and wealthy burgesses.Answer
  2. B
    The Magna Carta immediately granted universal suffrage in 10661066, allowing all adult citizens to vote for representatives in a single legislative chamber.
  3. C
    By 13141314, the King abolished the consultative assembly to ensure that the monarch could raise taxes and create laws without any interference from the House of Lords.
  4. D
    Following the Battle of Bosworth in 14851485, the Parliament was replaced by a system where the King held absolute power, removing the need for a House of Commons.

Answer

By the middle of the 14th14^{\text{th}} century, Parliament had developed into two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The correct answer identifies the crucial structural evolution where the English Parliament split into two houses: the House of Lords, which comprised the nobility and bishops, and the House of Commons, which represented knights and wealthy townsfolk (burgesses). This system allowed for broader consultation on matters such as taxation and legislation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the significance of the year 12151215 and King John.
King John sealed the Magna Carta, which forced the monarch to consult his subjects (initially the nobility).
This established the constitutional precedent for limited monarchy.
2
Track the evolution of the consultative assembly.
The 'Great Council' of nobles and clergy gradually expanded to include representatives from the towns and counties.
The King needed broader support, particularly for taxation to fund wars.
3
Analyze the structural split that occurred by the mid-13001300 s.
The assembly divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
This reflected the distinct social interests of the nobility versus the emerging merchant and landowning classes.

Key Concept

Bicameral Evolution of Parliament
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Magna Carta and the Development of Parliament

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