Democracy; Great Britain -- Politics and government
The disasters of the King's campaign against the Scots, an empty treasury,
and a mutinous army, compelled the calling of Parliament. But the temper of
the men who came to the House of Commons in November was vastly different
from the temper of the "Short Parliament."[53] For this was the famous
"Long Parliament" that assembled in the dark autumn days of 1640, and it
was to sit for thirteen years; to see the impeachment and execution of Laud
and Strafford, the trial and execution of the King, the abolition of
monarchy and the House of Lords, the establishment of the Commonwealth; and
was itself to pass away finally only before Cromwell's military
dictatorship.
Hampden was the great figure at the beginning of this Parliament. "The eyes
of all men were fixed upon him, as their _patriae pater_, and the pilot that
must steer the vessel through the tempests and rocks which threatened it. I
am persuaded (wrote Clarendon) his power and interest at that time were
greater to do good or hurt than any man's in the kingdom, or than any man
of his rank hath had at any time; for his reputation of honesty was
universal, and his affections seemed so publicly guided, that no corrupt or
private ends could bias them."
Politically, neither Hampden nor Pym was Republican. Both believed in
government by King, Lords, and Commons; but both were determined that the
King's Ministers should be answerable to Parliament for the policy of the
Crown, and that the Commons, who found the money for government, should
have a definite say in the spending of that money. As for the royal claim
of "Divine right," and the royal view that held passive obedience to be the
duty of the King's subjects, and saw in Parliament merely a useful
instrument for the raising of funds to be spent by the royal pleasure
without question or criticism--these things were intolerable to Hampden,
Pym, and the men of the House of Commons. The King would not govern through
Parliament; the House of Commons could govern without a King. It was left
to the Civil War to decide the issue between the Crown and Parliament, and
make the House of Commons supreme.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account