English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights is one of the constitutional influences featured in the KTB Prep American Government and Civics series designed to acquaint users with the origins, concepts, organizations, and policies of the United States government and political system. The goal is greater familiarization with the rights and obligations of citizenship at the local, state, national, and global levels and the history of our nation as a democracy.
English Bill of Rights
It was signed into law in 1689 by William III and Mary II, who became co-rulers in England after the overthrow of King James II. The bill outlined specific constitutional and civil rights ultimately giving Parliament power over the monarchy. It was a precursor for constitutional monarchy in England, and is an inspiration for our own Bill of Rights less than 100 years later.
What’s In The English Bill of Rights?
The bill includes the following items:
- A list of King James’s misdeeds
- 13 articles that outlined specific freedoms
- Confirmation that William and Mary were rightful successors to the throne of England
In general, the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy, elevated the status of Parliament and outlined specific rights of individuals. Some of the key liberties and concepts laid out in the articles include:
- Freedom to elect members of Parliament, without the king or queen’s interference
- Freedom of speech in Parliament
- Freedom from royal interference with the law
- Freedom to petition the king
- Freedom to bear arms for self-defense
- Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail
- Freedom from taxation by royal prerogative, without the agreement of Parliament
- Freedom of fines and forfeitures without a trial
- Freedom from armies being raised during peacetimes
The 1689 legislation created a constitutional monarchy in England, meaning the king or queen acts as head of state but his or her powers are limited by law. Under this system, the monarchy can’t rule without the consent of Parliament, and the people are given individual rights. An earlier historical document, the 1215 Magna Carta of England, is also credited with limiting the powers of the monarchy and is sometimes cited as a precursor to the English Bill of Rights.
Legacy and Influence
The English Bill of Rights encouraged a form of government where the rights and liberties of individuals were protected. These ideas and philosophies penetrated into the colonies of North America. Many of the themes and philosophies found in the English Bill of Rights served as inspirations for principles that were eventually included in the American Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution and, of course, the U.S. Bill of Rights. For example, the 1791 U.S. Bill of Rights, guarantees freedom of speech, trial by jury, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
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