How did the Cabal Ministry influence political developments?

The Cabal Ministry influenced political developments by shifting power from the monarchy to Parliament and promoting religious tolerance.

The Cabal Ministry, active from 1668 to 1674 during the reign of King Charles II, was a group of five ministers whose initials formed the acronym "CABAL." These ministers were Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Their collective influence marked a significant shift in the balance of power in England, moving it away from the absolute control of the monarchy towards a more parliamentary-centric governance. This change laid the groundwork for the modern British political system.

One of the key ways the Cabal Ministry influenced political developments was through their support for the idea that the king should govern in cooperation with Parliament. This was a departure from the previous notion of the divine right of kings, which held that the monarch's authority was absolute and God-given. By advocating for a more collaborative approach, the Cabal Ministry helped to establish the principle that the government should be accountable to Parliament, a cornerstone of modern democracy.

Additionally, the Cabal Ministry played a crucial role in promoting religious tolerance, particularly towards Catholics and dissenting Protestant groups. This was a contentious issue at the time, as England was predominantly Anglican, and there was significant opposition to any form of religious pluralism. The Cabal's efforts in this area were part of a broader strategy to stabilise the country by reducing religious conflict. Although their attempts were met with mixed success and considerable resistance, they set important precedents for future policies of religious tolerance.

In summary, the Cabal Ministry's influence on political developments was profound, as they helped to shift power towards Parliament and promoted religious tolerance, setting the stage for the evolution of the British political system.