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Separation of Powers
- The Instrument of Government, drafted by John Lambert, separated powers among a legislative parliament, an executive council, and a Lord Protector.
- This aimed to prevent any single entity, whether a monarch or legislature, from becoming too powerful, as seen with the Rump and Nominated Assembly.
Parliamentary Reorganization
- Parliament was reorganized to include 400 members for England and Wales, and 30 each for Scotland and Ireland.
- New elections, a minimum five-month session, increased suffrage, and redrawn districts were implemented.
Executive Council's Power
- The executive council, composed of 13 to 20 lifetime members, held significant power.
- They controlled the armed forces when Parliament wasn't in session and selected new Lord Protectors, illustrating a key political innovation.