What idea did the Petition of Right endorse regarding the authority of the king?

Prepare for your High School World History Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to boost your readiness.

The Petition of Right, presented to King Charles I in 1628 by the English Parliament, fundamentally endorsed the idea that the law is higher than the king. This document aimed to limit the powers of the monarch and protect the rights of individuals by reinforcing the principle that even the king must follow the law. It challenged the idea of the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs were not accountable to any authority but their own.

By articulating various grievances against the king, including issues related to taxation without representation and unlawful imprisonment, the Petition underscored the belief that the authority of the king was not absolute and that he must adhere to the same legal standards expected of his subjects. This marked a significant moment in the evolution of constitutional law and the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects in England.

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