An Englishman, an Irishman, a Welshman and a Scotsman walk into a bar . . .

If only it was that easy! 

From Romans to Saxons to Normans to Vikings, England’s history has been quite intense. From the Dark ages where Roman Gods were lost, christianity took over and monasteries were highly fortified, to the 17th century English revolution, where Oliver Cromwell’s military dictatorship in Ireland could be compared by some to the holocaust. The United Kingdom, being made up out of former independent kingdoms (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) went through a lot of drama in order to achieve the union that is held today. 

The Glorious Revolution (sometimes called the bloodless revolution) in 1688 led to a constitutional monarchy in England. It could be argued that the revolution was more of an invasion, as Dutch forces landed large numbers of troops in England. With William 111, or William of Orange (who governed most provinces of the Dutch Republic) becoming king in England following the Revolution, although the constitution seemed to be the more important factor. But does England need a constitution? We already have the Magna Carta (issued in 1215) which was the first document forced onto an English King to limit his powers, and therefore protect the publics privileges. As well as the Bill of rights and common law.

However, the main point that The Glorious Revolution highlighted was that there would be no possibility of a catholic monarch, as well as restricting the monarchs powers. (For example the monarch could no longer suspend laws.) But has England’s constitutional monarchy been the best solution after all these years? As the royals power over the country becomes less and less, parliaments power rises. The corruption and greed within parliament will always be there and the monarch cannot help this factor. 

The Prime Minister can be classed as being chosen ‘by the public for the public,’ some could argue that the monarch should cast this vote. But should power rule? As far as I’m concerned this country is screwed up enough already, the government already changes and ignores the constitution as it is. I feel that this quote sums up my feelings in one: 

‘A constitution is the property of a nation, and not of those who exercise government’

 Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1795