Triennial Acts

The intention of the Triennial Acts in 1641, 1664 and 1694 was to restrict the prerogatives of the king in summoning and retaining parliaments.

Triennial Act in 1641

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The first Act passed on 16 February 1641 and placed the obligation on the king to summon a parliament every three years, for at least 50 days. It was established to prevent a repetition of the long absence of parliament seen in the ´11 years Tyranny´ of 1629-1640 under Charles I.

Triennial Act in 1664

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The second Act still said that the parliament should meet every three years, but no mechanism was determinded to enforce this requirement. Therefore, Charles II did not comply with this condition from March 1684, James II from November 1688.

Triennial Act in 1694

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The third Act passed in 1694 and declared on the one hand that general elections should be held every three years and on the other hand that the parliament should be summoned at least once a year. This act was then replaced by the Septennial Act of 1716.