The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy
I can describe how the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy and increased the power of Parliament.
The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy
I can describe how the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy and increased the power of Parliament.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- William III of Orange was concerned that England may form an alliance with Catholic France against the Protestant Dutch.
- In November 1688 William of Orange, Protestant son-in-law to James II, landed in England and James fled for France.
- In 1669 a new Parliament met, which issued the Bill of Rights and offered William and Mary the crown.
- This declaration greatly limited the power of the monarchy by creating a constitutional monarchy.
- It established frequent Parliaments, free elections, freedom of speech within Parliament and other Parliamentary powers.
Common misconception
Monarchs need to secure their positions by imprisoning or killing any claimants to the throne.
Although many monarchs have acted in this way, there are countless examples of monarchs who tolerated the freedom of strong claimants to the throne in order to not appear despotic. William III of Orange is a good example.
Keywords
Convention - a meeting of Parliament without a summons from the monarch
Bill - a draft of a proposed law presented to Parliament for discussion
Constitutional monarchy - a system in which the monarch must use their power in line with established laws
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
an assembly of people with authority to make laws for a country
an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
person who believes in the faith & practices of the Church of England