Constitutional Monarchy – The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights (1689) – read during coronation of William III- declared that king could not raise taxes or change the law without Parliament agreement.
Bill of Rights confirmed rights of Parliament and lower king’s power.
Parliament decided that English kings and queens had to be Protestants only.
New Parliament had to be elected every three years at first and later every seven years, and now – every five years.
Kings were obliged to ask Parliament every year for new funds for army and navy & they could not rule independently.
He needed ministers and advisers who could make sure that king’s decision will have majority of votes in Houses of Commons and Lords.
Two main political groups in Parliament were called Whigs & Tories.
From year 1695 free press started to develop – newspapers could operate without government permission what increased number of new newspapers.
Since Glorious Revolution England became “constitutional monarchy” and slowly ministers became more important politically than a king.
It was in reality democracy as we know it now as only limited amount of people, rich people, land owners, was eligible to vote.
There were “pocket boroughs” where only single rich family controlled votes and there were also “rotten boroughs” without almost any voters.
Women could not vote.
A Growing Population
In late 17th century many people left England and Ireland to start new life in American colonies.
But it was also time when new comers arrived from continent like Jews (from 1656 – first time from Medieval times) or Huguenots from France (French Protestant refugees between 1680 – 1720).
New arrivals were often well educated, scientists, bankers, weavers and craftsmen.
The Act or Treaty of Union in Scotland
William III & his wife Mary had no children, just like Queen Anne , their successor.
This naturally created a problem who will rule next.
In 1707 The Act of Union, also known as the Treaty of Union in Scotland, created the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Scotland was no longer an independent country, but it retained its own legal & education systems as well as Presbyterian Church.
Conclusion: it is Sunday so I can study a little less but still it is mandatory to keep my studying pattern unchanged.
I must admit that profusion of dates is a little alarming. The way of actually noting back what I’ve learnt make it easier to memorise new material.
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