The Commonwealth was created after the English Civil War and changed how the government worked in important ways.

1. Ending the Monarchy

• The Commonwealth was the first time England ran as a republic, meaning there was no king or queen.
• Charles I was executed on January 30, 1649, after being accused of treason. This ended the traditional royal power that had been in place for many years.

2. The Rump Parliament

• The Rump Parliament was made up of about 50 members from a larger group called the Long Parliament.
• Instead of a king, this group had the power to make new laws, including getting rid of the House of Lords in 1649.

3. Military Rule

• Oliver Cromwell led the New Model Army, which became an important governing force.
• The army enforced government rules, showing a move from regular government to military control.

4. The Instrument of Government (1653)

• This document created a written set of rules, kind of like a constitution, and the position of Lord Protector, which Cromwell held.
• It gave Cromwell a lot of power over the army and how the country was run, changing the usual government structure.

5. Religious Freedom

• The Commonwealth allowed different Puritan groups to worship freely, weakening the Church of England's influence.
• New laws let groups like the Quakers and Baptists practice their beliefs openly, changing the religious scene in England.

6. Economic Changes

• The Commonwealth faced economic problems and tried to create new policies to deal with taxes and military costs.
• Taxes were a big issue, leading to future disagreements and unrest among the people.

In summary, the Commonwealth challenged traditional government by ending the monarchy, using military power, creating new laws, promoting religious freedom, and making economic reforms. This set the stage for modern democratic governance in Britain.