The power of parliament to pass bills was often thwarted by monarchs. Charles I dissolved parliament in 1629, after it passed motions critical of and bills seeking to restrict his arbitrary exercise of power. During the eleven years of personal rule that followed, Charles performed legally dubious actions, such as raising taxes without parliament's approval. After the English Civil War, it was accepted that parliament should be summoned to meet regularly, but it was still commonplace for monarchs to refuse royal assent to bills. In 1678, Charles II withheld his assent from a bill "for preserving the Peace of the Kingdom by raising the Militia, and continuing them in Duty for Two and Forty Days," suggesting that he, not parliament, should control the militia. The last Stuart monarch, Anne, similarly withheld on 11 March 1708, on the advice of her ministers, her assent from a bill for the settling of Militia in Scotland. No monarch has since withheld royal assent on a bill passed by the British parliament. COUNT 9
QSN1 Which monarch was responsible for dissolving parliament in 1629? ANS1 Charles I QSN2 What is one action this monarch took that is typically left to the discretion of parliament? ANS2 raising taxes QSN3 After which event was it decided that parliament should meet on a regular basis? ANS3 English Civil War QSN4 Like Charles II had previously done, the last Stuart monarch withheld assent. Who was this monarch? ANS4 Anne QSN5 Which ruler removed parliament in 1629? ANS5 Charles I QSN6 Under whose advice did Anne withold the royal assent? ANS6 her ministers QSN7 What did motions attempt to accomplish that prompted Charles I to dissolve parliament in 1629? ANS7 restrict his arbitrary exercise of power QSN8 When was the last time royal assent was enacted? ANS8 11 March 1708 QSN9 Who was the last monarch to use the royal assent in 1708? ANS9 Anne