CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT--ARISTOCRACY TRIUMPHANT GOVERNMENT BY ARISTOCRACY For nearly two centuries--from 1660 to 1830--England was governed by an aristocracy of landowners.

Charles II.

kept the throne for twenty-five years, because he had wit enough to avoid an open collision with Parliament.

James II.

fled the country after three years--understanding no more than his father had understood that tyranny was not possible save by consent of Parliament or by military prowess.