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It was during the reign of James I in 1605 that the “Gunpowder Plot” was  

It was during the reign of James I in 1605 that the “Gunpowder Plot” was  

discovered.  It consisted of barrels of gunpowder in the cellar of Parliament allegedly set to be ignited by Catholics to murder the Protestant James I and all of Parliament at an official assembly.  Guy Fawkes and others were executed for this plot, and British Protestants commemorate this event annually on November 5th, though the Oxford Dictionary of World History notes that it has been suggested that Protestant Earl Robert Cecil (who helped install James I to the throne) “manufactured the plot.”<ref>Oxford Dictionary of World History, p. 262 (paperback ed. 2001).</ref>

discovered.  It consisted of barrels of gunpowder in the cellar of Parliament allegedly set to be ignited by Catholics to murder the Protestant James I and all of Parliament at an official assembly.  Guy Fawkes and others were executed for this plot, and British Protestants commemorate this event annually on November 5th, though the Oxford Dictionary of World History notes that it has been suggested that Protestant Earl Robert Cecil (who helped install James I to the throne) “manufactured the plot” to affect public opinion.<ref>Oxford Dictionary of World History, p. 262 (paperback ed. 2001).</ref>

Charles I became the king in 1625 and conflicts worsened between King Charles I and Parliament.  Charles I needed funding in 1628, but Parliament refused unless Charles signed the Petition of Right.  This important document would have limited the powers of the king in four significant ways.  The king could no longer imprison people without good reason, or force people to house soldiers in their private homes, or impose taxes without the consent of Parliament, or impose martial (military) law during peacetime.  The king’s power would be greatly weakened by this Petition.  Charles accepted the Petition, but refused to abide by it.

Charles I became the king in 1625 and conflicts worsened between King Charles I and Parliament.  Charles I needed funding in 1628, but Parliament refused unless Charles signed the Petition of Right.  This important document would have limited the powers of the king in four significant ways.  The king could no longer imprison people without good reason, or force people to house soldiers in their private homes, or impose taxes without the consent of Parliament, or impose martial (military) law during peacetime.  The king’s power would be greatly weakened by this Petition.  Charles accepted the Petition, but refused to abide by it.