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PinkMonkey Online Study Guide-World History
9.4 The Glorious Revolution of 1688
During his reign of twenty-three years, Charles II ruled with the consent of Parliament, as far as possible. However, he was succeeded by his younger brother, James II in 1685, who ruled as an absolute autocrat.
In 1688, Parliament proclaimed its own sovereignty, by choosing a king of its own liking. William of Orange, who was the Protestant ruler of Holland and the son-in-law of James II, was sent for. He had been invited to rule. This invitation was accepted by William and his wife Mary. They came to England with an army.
As he would not be able to fight against the Parliament and William of Orange, James II escaped to France. Since this revolutionary change occurred in 1688 without any bloodshed, it is known as "the Glorious Revolution."
A Convention Parliament was summoned by William. It passed
a Declaration of Rights and offered the crown to William and Mary,
on condition that they agreed to respect the English laws. This
offer was accepted by William and Mary, bringing an end the long
struggle between Parliament and the king, establishing the supremacy
of Parliament and constitutional laws in England.
The Parliament became supreme after the Glorious Revolution and passed a Bill of Rights (1689), which obtained the consent of King William and Queen Mary in 1689. The following were its main provisions:
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The pretended power of suspension or execution
of laws by regal authority, without consent of Parliament, is
illegal.
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The pretended power of dispersion with, or
execution of laws by regal authority, as it had been
as assumed and exercised recently, is illegal.
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Levy of money for, or to the use of the crown,
by pretence or prerogative, without grant of Parliament for
longer time, or in any other manner than the same is, or shall
be granted, is illegal.
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It is the right of the subjects to petition
the King.
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The raising or keeping a standing army within
the kingdom, in time of peace, without the consent of Parliament
is against the law.
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The election of members of Parliament ought
to be free.
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The freedom of speech and debates or proceedings
in parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any
court or place, out of Parliament.
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Excessive bail ought not to be required nor
excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
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Jurors should be duly empaneled and returned.
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Finally, for redress of all grievances, and
for amendment, for strengthening and preserving laws, Parliament
ought to be summoned as frequently as possible.
The crown was then bestowed upon William and Mary jointly. In case of default of their offspring, succession would be followed by Princess Anne and her offspring. Further, in default of her issue, the rule reigns would shift upon the issue of William by any wife other than Mary.
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Index
9.0
- Introduction
9.1 Origin of Democracy in England
9.2
Magna Carta-The Great Charter (1215)
9.3 Establishment and Development of Parliament
9.4 The Glorious Revolution of 1688
9.5 Rise of a Responsible Council Of Ministers
9.6 Reform Act Of 1832
9.7 Representation of the People Act, 1867
9.8 Representation of the People Act, 1884
9.9 Parliamentary Act, 1911
9.10 Representation of the People Acts 1918 & 1928
9.11 Dates & Events
9.12 Points to Remember
Chapter 10
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