The First Protectorate Parliament (1654-55) Flashcards
(17 cards)
What was the document that served as the constitutional basis of Cromwell’s power during the First Protectorate Parliament
Instrument Of Government
When was the Instrument of Government issued
1653
On what was the Instrument of Government modelled
On the Heads of the Proposals issued by Ireton in 1647
Who designed the Instrument of Government
Lambert with the Army Council
How long did MPs serve
A minimum of five months
What was the structure of the Protectorate under Cromwell
The Lord Protector was supported by a Council of State and a new Parliament with 460 members
How were Members of Parliament (MPs) elected
They were elected every three years by voters with at least £200 of personal property
What would happen upon Cromwell’s death according to the Instrument Of Government
A new Protector would be elected by the Council of State, and a new church was to be established with religious freedom
What army would Cromwell be the head of due to the Instrument Of Government
New Model Army
Who was granted regarding worship
Freedom of worship was granted for all except Catholics and supporters of bishops
What was the general political stance of the Parliament
They would rule over England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland
How many ordinances did the Protectorate issue
84
What did the Protectorate ban correlating with the 84 ordinances
Bear-bating. cock-fighting
What did the Protectorate improve correlating to the 84 ordinances
Road maintenance and improvement on postal services
What laws were passed regarding public morality
Laws to prohibit blasphemy and drunkenness
What fundamental problems did Cromwell face during his rule in the Protectorate
Religious and political conflicts, including opposition similar to the Rump Parliament and republican MPs
Face resentment from MP’s who had been excluded from power after dissolving the Rump
How did Cromwell respond to opposition from the Rump Parliament
He dissolved the Parliament in January 1655 after refusing to recognize the Instrument of Government
