1653 Instrument of Government

The 1653 Instrument of Government was England’s first constitutional written constitution, establishing a new form of government after the monarchy was abolished. It created a Protectorate with Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, blending elements of monarchy and republicanism. It outlined how the government, including the Protector, was to be elected and operate, aiming for a balance of power. While it was an attempt at a constitutional framework to provide stability and limit authority, it was short-lived, as Cromwell's rule continued to evolve, and the political situation remained complex.