The English Bill of Rights

“In 1688-89 the English people drove King James II from the throne in the ‘Glorious Revolution.’ This peaceable (and apparently bloodless) revolution brought an end to the old theory of the divine right of kings and clearly established the supremacy of Parliament. To that end, in 1689, Parliament enacted the English Bill of Rights.” (source)

Mary II was then offered the crown because she was the daughter of James II. However, her husband (and cousin), William III, found it too humiliating to rule under his wife. He and Mary were accordingly offered the choice of ruling together. This was decided upon, and the new king and queen jointly ruled England. (source)

The English Bill of Rights told the king that passing, suspending, dispensing of, or executing laws, charging people for religious purposes, taxing people for personal purposes, or having an army in times of peace was illegal unless approved by Parliament. It also said that the subjects were free to petition the king, Protestants were allowed to keep arms for defense, elections for members of Parliament should be free and that the goings-on in Parliament would be free, and that parliament meetings should be held frequently. What's more, the bill attempted to make the courts fairer by stating that cruel punishments, high fines and/or a great fine for bail should not be given, and it tried to make the judging fairer. (source)

The English Bill of Rights in 1689 was an inspiration for the American Bill of Rights in 1791. There are many similarities. For example, the eighth American amendment says, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” The English Bill of Rights reads, “Excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” (source) (source, Amar 3, Applewood 1)

The English Bill of Rights decreased the power of the king and heightened the power of Parliament. A monarchy was still in place, and the foundations had not been set for a democracy. However, the separation of powers in England was slowly beginning to take place.

Works Cited

Amar, Akhil Reed. The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction. Connecticut, U.S.A: Yale University. 1998.

Applewood Books, The Bill of Rights: With Writings That Formed Its Foundation. Ingram Pub Services. 2006.