Instrument of Government

Instrument of Government
Overview
Original titleThe Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging
JurisdictionCommonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland
Presented15 December 1653
Date effective16 December 1653
(Installation of the Lord Protector)
ChambersUnicameral (House of Commons)
ExecutiveLord Protector, Council of State
First legislature3 September 1654
Repealed25 May 1657 (superseded by Humble Petition and Advice)
Author(s)John Lambert
SupersedesBarebone's Parliament
Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, used 1654–1655.

The Instrument of Government was the first constitution of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland and was also the first codified and written constitution in England. It was drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653.