The Instrument of Government was England's first codified constitution. It was drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653, and granted executive power to the Lord Protector. Although this post was elective, not hereditary, it was to be held for life. The document also required the calling of triennial Parliaments, with each sitting for at least five months.
The Instrument was adopted on 15 December 1653 and Oliver Cromwell was installed as Lord Protector on the following day. In January 1655, Cromwell dissolved the first Protectorate Parliament, ushering in a period of military rule by the Major Generals.
The Instrument of Government was replace in May 1657 by England's second, and last, codified constitution, the Humble Petition and Advice.
External link
Text of the Instrument of Government (http://www.constitution.org/eng/conpur097.htm)
On 18-19 October, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström are to travel to Lisbon to attend the informal EU Summit.
Among the subjects to be discussed at the Summit by the EU Heads of State and Government are the new Reform Treaty, the Lisbon Strategy and the significance of external trade for growth and employment in Europe.
The changes that Africa south of Sahara is currently undergoing will be reflected in the Government communication which is to be presented to the Riksdag by the end of 2007.
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