The first Parliament in Charles II’s reign to be elected by royal writ. Strongly Royalist and Anglican in composition, it contained 100 members from the Long Parliament of Charles I. Its long duration enabled the Commons to claim a large part in affairs, despite being in session for only 60 months of the 18 years. Its early years were marked by harsh laws against Roman Catholics and Protestant Dissenters. As its membership changed it became increasingly critical of royal policy.