Maximilian Petty Biography

Petty takes part in the wider radical pressure around the Army Council, seeking stronger constitutional guarantees than those finally contained in the Heads of the Proposals

Petty supports the Agreement of the People as a written constitutional settlement, pressing the case that political authority should be founded on the birthright and consent of the people

Petty takes part as a civilian adviser connected with the Army radicals, supporting proposals for a written constitutional settlement based on popular consent

The Agitators are assisted by civilians including John Wildman and Maximilian Petty, who had been connected to Army affairs as civilian advisers

Petty supports the Agitators' case for a wider franchise, arguing that political voice should rest on birthright rather than property alone

Petty argues for a broad male franchise during the Putney Debates, supporting the Leveller claim that political voice should rest on birthright rather than property alone

Petty states that all inhabitants who have not lost their birthright should have an equal voice in elections, putting the radical franchise case plainly before the Council

Petty's arguments for birthright and equal voice help define the radical side of the debate, though the result does not secure full manhood suffrage