How were the powers over the British Monarchy limited over the years

Question

How were the powers over the British Monarchy limited over the years

Answer 1

It began hundreds of years ago in June 1215 when King John was forced to sign away much of the monarchs power with the Magna Carta and placed it in the hands of the Barons.After that it all went downhill for them,with their powers being whittled away further over the years.I think the last monarch that used Royal powers,was Queen Victoria,who refused to sign a bill about homosexuality.She is said to have refused to sign the bill because she believed that men were capable of such behaviour but women were above that sort of thing.Which is why the laws on homosexuality in the U.K,applied to men only,Lesbianism was was not a crime.I hope that this goe a little way to answering your question.

Answer 2

The monarchy went from an absolute monarchy,where the sovereign was in charge,to a constitutional monarchy,where political powers are given to an elected Prime Minister and Parliament.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page4675....

has a long explanation.Here is a snippet:"In a monarchy a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Queen has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. She acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of public and voluntary service."

"Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a king or queen acts as Head of State, while the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.

The Sovereign governs according to the constitution - that is, according to rules, rather than according to his or her own free will.

Although the United Kingdom does not have a written constitution which sets out the rights and duties of the Sovereign, they are established by conventions. These are non-statutory rules which can bind just as much as formal constitutional rules.

As a constitutional monarch, The Queen cannot make or pass legislation, and must remain politically neutral. On almost all matters The Queen acts on the advice of ministers.

However, the Sovereign retains an important political role as Head of State, formally appointing prime ministers, approving certain legislation and bestowing honours.

The Queen also has official roles to play in other organisations, such as the Armed Forces and the Church of England.

As a system of government, constitutional monarchy has many strengths. One is that it separates out the ceremonial and official duties of the Head of State from party politics.

Another is that it provides stability, continuity and a national focus, since the Head of State remains the same even as governments come and go. "  

Answer 3

Well, let's see...Henry VIII could have someone beheaded by doing little more than commanding it, and Elizabeth II can cut ribbons and open parliament.  Hmmmm.  yeah, I'd say things have been limited.