The Development of Democracy in England

 A primary effect of juries and common law was a strengthening of democracy in England. For example, the new jury trials allowed citizens to have influence over decisions by royal judges on criminal cases. Citizens would answer questions about the crime. Additionally, the unified legal system known as Common Law reflected the customs and principles of the people. This is clearly a strengthening of democracy because Common Law establishes the Rule of Law for the people and juries provide opportunity for Citizen Participation.

 The Magna Carta led to an expansion of democracy in England. For instance, it limited the king’s power since Clause 12 of the Magna Carta requires the people’s consent for the king to be able to tax them. Furthermore, Clause 39 of the Magna Carta supports many individual rights, including due process of law in which citizens have the right to a jury trial and protection of the law; the king cannot punish anyone without reason. Both of these establish Rights for the citizens and provides more opportunity for Citizen Participation, which are clear aspects of an expanding democracy.

 The forming of the Model Parliament was also a boost in the democracy in England. It was a legislature consisting of two houses, which were the House of Commons (of burgesses and knights) and the House of Lords (of nobles and bishops); this provided more opportunities for participation in the government. The Parliament was also able to counsel the king, which gave the people more power, expanding democracy even further. The Parliament was undeniably a huge boost in England’s democracy because it provided a lot more opportunities for Citizen Participation.

 The rule of King James I caused democracy in England to diminish because of its many conflicts with Parliament. For example, James refused many religious reforms by Puritans. He also used the Star Chamber as England’s justice system, instead of Parliament which used common law. Additionally, James had a large debt, but Parliament would not grant him money, so he used other methods of gathering funds instead of getting consent. This clearly diminished democracy in England because King James’s rule conflicted with Citizen Participation and Human Rights, and did not support the Rule of Law.

 The rule of King Charles I made democracy in England contract because of further conflict with Parliament. For instance, when King Charles needed money from the Parliament, he was made to sign the Petition of Right, which limited his power. But later, Charles stopped ruling according to what was petitioned. Furthermore, he later dismissed Parliament: but when he asked for funds, Parliament would not grant him any. Also, Parliament began passing laws that reduced the power of the king, which eventually led to the English Civil War. These events, that conflicted with Citizen Participation and did not support the Rule of Law and Political Tolerance, were clear reasons for the contraction of England’s democracy.