October 7, Slides 7-8 Flashcards
What was the political structure of pre-modern England up to the late 1600s?
In pre-modern England, the monarch was sovereign, and “the people” (primarily nobility and wealthy male property owners) were represented in Parliament.
The monarch made decisions based on advice from hand-picked advisers known as the “cabinet.”
Parliament’s role was to ratify the monarch’s decisions, a structure summarized as “King acts, Parliament ratifies.”
What was the significance of the Glorious Revolution (1688) in England?
The Glorious Revolution marked a shift toward modern politics in England. Parliamentarians helped William III overthrow James II, leading to the Bill of Rights in 1689.
This established that dispensing with Acts of Parliament, levying money, and maintaining a standing army without parliamentary consent were illegal.
It also guaranteed free election of MPs and protected parliamentary speech.
What changes did the Bill of Rights (1689) introduce in English politics?
The Bill of Rights (1689) established that the monarch could not override Acts of Parliament, levy money, or maintain a standing army without Parliament’s consent.
It also mandated free elections for Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensured that parliamentary speech could only be questioned within Parliament itself, thus limiting royal authority and enhancing parliamentary sovereignty.
Who was sovereign in pre-modern England?
The monarch was sovereign, with decisions ratified by Parliament.
What event marked a shift toward modern politics in England?
The Glorious Revolution (1688), where Parliamentarians helped William III overthrow James II.
What did the Bill of Rights (1689) establish?
It limited monarchal power by requiring Parliament’s consent for taxes, armies, and laws.
What was the role of Parliament in pre-modern England?
Parliament represented the nobility and wealthy property owners and ratified the monarch’s decisions.
What was declared illegal by the Bill of Rights (1689)?
Dispensing with Acts of Parliament, levying taxes without consent, and maintaining a standing army in peacetime.
