English Bill of Rights, 1689
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Transcript of English Bill of Rights, 1689
English Bill of Rights, 1689
Why the heck should I care?
The English Bill of Rights…
Established a constitutional monarchy in Great Britain, taking power away from the King or Queen
Parliament took over the power of government
Individual liberties and rights were protected
Huge influence on the U.S. Constitution and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, both written 100 years later.
Nothing to fear
from us, dearies.
We’re just
powerless
figureheads!
Why was the English Bill of Rights written?
To get rid of King James II…
…and put his daughter Mary and her husband William on the throne.
No wars or beheadings—it was known as the Glorious Revolution.
Created the first revolution—American and French Revolutions took place 100 years later.
Why?
Not Catholic
Sorry, Dad.
yikes…thought we got that settled like a hundred years ago…
Catholic+ a bouncing baby boy,
aka future Catholic King
Most important articles of the English Bill of Rights
• Parliament would meet regularly and frequently
• Free elections
• Freedom of speech for members of Parliament
• No armies to be raised in peacetime
• No taxes could be imposed if Parliament did not agree
• Laws can’t be done away with, unless parliament agrees
• No excessive fines allowed
• No cruel or unusual punishments allowed
We Got The
Power!