3.4 Constitutionalism

Constitutionalism vs. Absolutism

Constitutionalism is a system where monarchs share power with representative bodies and rule is limited by law. Unlike absolutism, power is checked by institutions like parliaments and by protections for individual rights and property. England and the Dutch Republic became the leading models, contrasting sharply with absolutist France.

England's Path to Limited Monarchy

English kings clashed with Parliament over money and religion, leading to the English Civil War (1642-1651) and execution of Charles I. After Cromwell's Commonwealth and the Restoration, fears of Catholic absolutism under James II sparked the Glorious Revolution (1688), installing William and Mary under the English Bill of Rights (1689), which cemented parliamentary supremacy.

The Dutch Republic

The Dutch Republic thrived as a decentralized constitutional state, governed by the States General representing merchant elites rather than a monarch. Religious toleration and a commercial economy fueled a Golden Age of trade, banking, and art, proving that a non-absolutist state could achieve prosperity and power.

Key terms

Constitutionalism

A system of government in which power is limited by law and shared with representative institutions.

English Civil War

1642-1651 conflict between Parliament and Charles I, ending in his execution and temporary abolition of the monarchy.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

Bloodless removal of James II, replaced by William and Mary, who accepted limits on royal power.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

Document establishing parliamentary supremacy and protecting certain civil liberties, limiting monarchical authority.

Dutch Republic / States General

A decentralized constitutional state governed by merchant-elite representatives, thriving during a 17th-century Golden Age of trade and art.

Try an AP-style question

John Locke's Two Treatises argued that…

1. government should have unlimited power
2. kings rule by divine right and cannot be removed
3. people must always obey their rulers
4. people may overthrow rulers who violate rights