The Major-Generals were regional military governers, answerable directly to Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, who established their rule in October 1655. One of their roles was to supervise the collection of the decimation tax, a 10% income tax levied on Royalists. This was justified on the grounds that the cost of the militia was directly due to the existence of the Royalists. The Major-Generals were also supposed to oversee moral behaviour in their province, and to enforce laws against drunkenness, blasphemy, swearing and licentitiousness. In January 1657, the Second Protectorate Parliament refused to pass a bill that would have renewed - and made permanent - the rule of the Major-Generals. They were now recalled, and a new constitution,
The Humble Petition and Advice, was drawn up.
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