Instrument of Government

Instrument of Government
Instrument of Government
Overview
Original title	The Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging
Jurisdiction	Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland England; Scotland; Ireland; Other dominions;
Presented	15 December 1653
Date effective	16 December 1653; (Installation of the Lord Protector)
Chambers	Unicameral (House of Commons)
Executive	Lord Protector, Council of State
First legislature	3 September 1654
Repealed	25 May 1657 (superseded by Humble Petition and Advice)
Author(s)	John Lambert
Supersedes	Barebone's Parliament

The Instrument of Government was a constitution of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. Drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653, it was the first sovereign codified and written constitution in England.