Isaac Earl Featherston, popularly known as the Little Doctor, was a New Zealand politician, known for his advocacy for the establishment of New Zealand self-government, and the importance of the provincial governments.

The 2nd New Zealand Parliament was a term of the Parliament of New Zealand. It opened on 15 April 1856, following New Zealand's 1855 election. It was dissolved on 5 November 1860 in preparation for 1860–61 election. The 2nd Parliament was the first under which New Zealand had responsible government, meaning that unlike previously, the Cabinet was chosen by Parliament rather than by the Governor-General of New Zealand.