Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution was a pivotal event in 1688 in England that saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. This revolution established constitutional monarchy, reinforcing the role of Parliament and limiting the powers of the monarchy, significantly influencing the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution marked the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in England.
2. William III and Mary II were invited to take the throne by Parliament, demonstrating a shift in power from the monarchy to Parliament.
3. The revolution was largely bloodless, earning it the title 'Glorious' as it resulted in minimal violence compared to other revolutions.
4. The Bill of Rights 1689 was enacted as a direct result of the Glorious Revolution, solidifying the principles of parliamentary sovereignty and individual rights.
5. This event set a precedent for future constitutional changes and inspired democratic movements in other countries.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution alter the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament in England?
  • The Glorious Revolution fundamentally changed the dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament by establishing a constitutional monarchy where Parliament held significant authority. The overthrow of King James II highlighted the power of Parliament to control succession and governance, resulting in reduced royal prerogative. This shift led to important legislative reforms, including the Bill of Rights 1689, which further cemented Parliament's role in governance.
• What were some key outcomes of the Glorious Revolution that impacted subsequent legal principles in Britain?
  • The Glorious Revolution led to several key outcomes that had lasting impacts on British law and governance. The passage of the Bill of Rights 1689 introduced critical legal principles such as parliamentary sovereignty and individual rights, limiting monarchical power. These principles established a framework for future constitutional developments and influenced modern democratic thought, ultimately shaping Britain's political landscape.
• Evaluate how the Glorious Revolution served as a model for future political revolutions around the world.
  • The Glorious Revolution is often seen as a blueprint for subsequent political revolutions due to its relatively peaceful nature and its establishment of constitutional principles. It demonstrated that change could occur without widespread violence, which resonated with later movements like the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The ideals of parliamentary sovereignty and individual rights set forth during this time inspired numerous democratic movements globally, highlighting its significance as a transformative event in political history.

Related terms

Bill of Rights 1689:

An act passed by Parliament that outlined the rights of Parliament and individuals, which also limited the powers of the monarch.

Constitutional Monarchy:

A form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters set by a constitution, whether written or unwritten.

Parliamentary Sovereignty:

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK, capable of creating or ending any law, which emerged stronger following the Glorious Revolution.