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!