Instrument of Government

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For the Swedish constitutional law Regeringsformen, see the article Constitution of Sweden.

The Instrument of Government is the first sovereign codified--and written--constitution in the world. 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 political entity over which this instrument had jurisdiction was styled the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Since America had already been colonized by the British--in 1607, at Jamestown, and in 1620, at Plymouth--the United States may, and has, sometimes claimed this historic document as a part of its political, legal, and historic heritage.

This Instrument of Government 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 replaced in May 1657 by England's second, and last, codified constitution, the Humble Petition and Advice.