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Difficulty: MediumMagna Carta and the Development of Parliament

Following the agreement of the Magna Carta by King John in 12151215, the 'Great Council' of advisors began to evolve. By the middle of the 14th14^{th} century, which structural development defined the English Parliament?

  1. The division into two distinct houses: the House of Lords (nobility and clergy) and the House of Commons (knights and wealthy townsfolk).Answer
  2. B
    The establishment of a single assembly that granted universal suffrage to all adult citizens by 14851485.
  3. C
    A military council formed after the Battle of Bannockburn in 13141314 that gave the King absolute power over taxation.
  4. D
    A simple court of Norman advisors established in 10661066 that had no legislative power over the King.

Answer

The correct answer is the division into two distinct houses: the House of Lords (for the nobility and clergy) and the House of Commons (for knights and wealthy townsfolk).
The correct answer identifies the fundamental transition from a single advisory council to a two-house (bicameral) system. By the mid-13001300 s, the nobility and senior clergy formed the House of Lords, while knights and wealthy townsfolk (burgesses) formed the House of Commons.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the post-1215 era.
The Magna Carta established the principle that the King must consult his subjects.
This set the stage for the Great Council to evolve into a formal Parliament.
2
Determine the structural change that occurred by the 14th century.
The assembly split into two separate 'houses'.
Different social classes (the nobility/clergy vs. knights/townsfolk) began to sit and deliberate separately.
3
Match the groups to their respective houses.
House of Lords (nobility/clergy) and House of Commons (knights/burgesses).
This division defines the basic structure of the modern UK Parliament.

Key Concept

The evolution of the English Parliament into a bicameral system following the Magna Carta.
Estimated Time:45s
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Magna Carta and the Development of Parliament

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