Development of Parliament (may 28, 1215 – may 28, 1414)

Description:

Creation in 1215:
Parliament was developed under the magna carta, which gave barons the right to advise the king on tax policy. Still, those on the council were not elected but selected by the king to advise him. Known as the Great Council early on, the parliament would first be called so by Henry III in 1236.

Elected Officials Called for in 1254:
The sheriff of each county is required to send an elected official, known as "knights of the shire," to the king's court to council him on taxes starting in 1254. Soon after, scholars at Oxford called for elected officials to convene regularly from each county.

Structure of Parliament developed in 1295:
Parliament would include nobles and bishops, as well as two representatives from each English county and town. Later, representatives would also come from Wales. This model for parliament is still used today. In the end of the 1300s, the representatives would begin to meet under the title of the "House of Commons." Note: an elected official is known as a knight of the shire and a local representative as a burgess.

1362:
Parliament passes a statue stating that they must approve all taxation before it goes into effect.

1376:
The first speaker of the House is appointed. Parliament also impeaches some of the king's ministers for the first time.

1399:
Richard II is deposed by parliament and replaced with Richard IV.

1402:
Parliament is granted the right to address citizens' grievances by Henry IV. (Date for event unknown.)

1409:
Sometime during Henry IV's reign, representatives of the House of Commons could be elected by the electorate, or actual citizens.

1414: Henry V decreed in 1414 that both houses must agree in order for new laws to be enacted.

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