How did the English Reformation affect the English Parliament?

The English Reformation significantly increased the power and influence of the English Parliament over religious and political matters.

The English Reformation, a series of events in 16th-century England by which the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, had profound effects on the English Parliament. These effects were both immediate and long-lasting, shaping the political landscape of England for centuries to come.

One of the most immediate effects of the Reformation was the increase in the power and influence of the English Parliament. Prior to the Reformation, the Church held significant power, both in terms of wealth and influence. However, with the break from Rome, the Church's power was significantly diminished. This power vacuum was filled by the Parliament, which took on a greater role in governing the country. The Parliament was instrumental in passing the Act of Supremacy in 1534, which declared King Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England, effectively making the English monarch, rather than the Pope, the ultimate authority in matters of religion.

The Reformation also led to a shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and the Parliament. Prior to the Reformation, the monarchy held the majority of the power, with the Parliament largely serving as a rubber stamp for the monarch's decisions. However, the Reformation necessitated a series of legislative acts, including the Act of Supremacy and the dissolution of the monasteries. These acts required the approval of the Parliament, giving it a more active role in governance and increasing its power relative to the monarchy.