The document provides a summary of key events in 17th century English history that led to reforms limiting absolutism and the rise of constitutional monarchy. It discusses the English Civil War caused by disagreements between King Charles I and Parliament over financial affairs. This turmoil resulted in the Petition of Right establishing certain rights and implying law was higher than the monarch. Further events like the Restoration and Glorious Revolution also curtailed royal power and influenced England's move away from absolutism towards a balanced constitutional government.