Evaluate the impact of the Instrument of Government in the English Civil War.

The Instrument of Government significantly impacted the English Civil War by establishing a constitutional framework for the Protectorate.

The Instrument of Government, enacted in December 1653, was the first written constitution in England's history. It was a product of the political turmoil and instability that characterised the English Civil War and the Interregnum. Its impact on the English Civil War was significant as it provided a constitutional framework for the Protectorate, the period of Oliver Cromwell's rule as Lord Protector.

The Instrument of Government was a radical departure from the traditional English constitutional structure. It abolished the monarchy and the House of Lords, vesting executive power in a Lord Protector and legislative power in a single, unicameral Parliament. This was a significant shift from the previous balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, which had been a major cause of the Civil War. The Instrument of Government, therefore, represented a significant attempt to resolve the constitutional issues that had led to the Civil War.

The Instrument of Government also had a significant impact on the religious landscape of England. It provided for a degree of religious tolerance, allowing for freedom of worship for all Protestants. This was a significant departure from the religious intolerance that had characterised the period leading up to the Civil War, and it had a profound impact on the religious dynamics of England.

However, the Instrument of Government was not without its flaws. It was criticised for concentrating too much power in the hands of the Lord Protector and for failing to provide adequate checks and balances. This led to a period of political instability and ultimately to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

In conclusion, the Instrument of Government had a significant impact on the English Civil War. It provided a constitutional framework for the Protectorate, attempted to resolve the constitutional issues that had led to the Civil War, and introduced a degree of religious tolerance. However, its flaws led to political instability and ultimately to the restoration of the monarchy.