HOW ENGLAND GOT CABINET GOVERNMENT.

HOW ENGLAND GOT CABINET GOVERNMENT. I recently encountered an alternative and simpler explanation of why cabinet government became strong in England after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. I knew that the Hanover kings were chosen by act of Parliament rather than Divine Right and that this fact alone made for a weaker monarch. I was browsing in Nick’s copy of Rebecca Fraser’s THE STORY OF BRITAIN. She highlights the fact that George I and George II, the first two Hanover kings, who ruled Britain from 1714 to 1760, had little interest in Britain, preferred to spend time in Hanover rather than in Britain, and were not fluent in English. During the 47 years of their reigns, the Cabinet increased its power. A good way to seize real power is to appoint a figurehead who has other interests.