The United Kingdom seized control over Bahrain in 1861 and made it its regional centre for British administration. In 1971 Bahrain became an independent constitutional monarchy as the State of Bahrain. Based on its new constitution, Bahraini men elected its first National Assembly in 1973. After quarrels about several issues, a clash between the Emir and the Assembly broke out over the State Security Law that allowed among other things the arrest and detention of people for up to three years without a trial. To end the public crisis, the Emir dissolved the Assembly on August 25, 1975.

In 1999 Shaykh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa became Emir after the death of his father, Shaykh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He pushed economic and political reforms forward and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of Sheikh Hamad's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Sheikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Emir to King. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house, the National Assembly. Between 2002 and 2006 four groups continued their demand for discussions on constitutional reforms and boycotted the parliamentary elections. By 2006 these four opposition societies indicated that they would participate in the parliamentary elections, but retain their demand for constitutional reform at the top of their agenda.