1. Establishment of a Precedent for Representative Government:
* Parliamentary Representation: This gathering established the precedent for the inclusion of representatives from the clergy, nobility, and commoners in governmental affairs. This was a crucial step toward the development of a representative government in England.
* Constitutional Principles: The Model Parliament set a precedent for the principle that the monarch needed the consent of the governed for levying taxes. This laid the foundation for the concept of taxation without representation, which later became a key principle of the American Revolution.
2. Financial and Military Support for War:
* Taxation: Edward I needed financial resources to finance his wars in Wales and Scotland. The Model Parliament approved a levy known as the "Confirmatio Cartarum," which was a significant tax that allowed him to raise funds.
* Military Support: By calling on nobles and commoners to contribute, Edward secured a military force that would be essential for his military campaigns.
3. Building National Unity and Cohesion:
* Sense of Shared Purpose: The Model Parliament brought together various segments of English society with a common purpose: to support the king's war effort. This fostered a sense of national unity and strengthened the crown's legitimacy.
* Shared Responsibility: The involvement of lesser subjects in the decision-making process created a sense of shared responsibility for the war effort and its outcomes.
4. Power Dynamics and the Role of the Crown:
* Limitations on Royal Power: While the Model Parliament granted the king power and resources, it also established the precedent that he was not above the law. This marked a step towards limiting the monarch's absolute power.
* Increased Political Awareness: The inclusion of commoners in the decision-making process fostered a sense of political awareness and participation, leading to future challenges to royal authority.
5. Long-Term Impact:
* Evolution of Parliament: The Model Parliament served as a model for future parliaments, gradually evolving into a more powerful and influential institution.
* Foundation of English Democracy: While not a fully democratic system, the Model Parliament laid the groundwork for the development of a more representative and accountable government in England.
While the immediate aim was to secure financial and military support for Edward I's wars, the Model Parliament had lasting impacts, influencing the political landscape of England and setting the stage for future developments in representative government.