5 Later Stuarts & Shift to Constitutional Monarchy (1678-1702)

How far was the Political Nation able to assert its influence over the Crown in the years 1678 to 1702? 

PN now significantly asserting influence over the monarchy, however the crown still remained powerful to an extent

Constitutional Power; How did Charles II assert authority after the Exclusion Crisis (1679–81)?

He dissolved Parliament in 1681 and ruled without one until his death in 1685. This showed significant royal power.

Why did Charles II still rely on the Political Nation despite personal rule?

He relied on the Tory Anglican elite to maintain order and legitimacy—his authority depended on aligning with parts of the PN.

How did James II continue attempts at ruling without Parliament?

He bypassed parliamentary laws (e.g., Test Act) using the prerogative and suspended laws via the Declaration of Indulgence (1687), alienating the PN.

How did the Glorious Revolution (1688) transform the political balance?

The PN invited William to intervene and take the throne—this was the first time Parliament removed a monarch, undermining divine right and asserting PN supremacy.

What were the constitutional consequences of the 1689 Bill of Rights?

It banned suspending/dispensing laws, taxation without consent, and standing armies in peacetime without parliamentary approval. Also mandated regular parliaments.

How did the Triennial Act (1694) constrain royal power?

It required elections every 3 years, ensuring the monarch couldn’t avoid Parliament long-term and institutionalised political accountability.

What did the Act of Settlement (1701) say about monarchy and Parliament?

It declared only Protestants could inherit the throne and banned monarchs from leaving the country or starting wars without Parliament’s approval—Parliament now controlled succession and foreign policy.

What key prerogative powers did the Crown still retain after 1689?

Monarchs could still appoint ministers, summon/dissolve Parliament, and act as commander-in-chief, as seen in William III’s dominance over military and foreign policy.

Religious Power; How did religious tensions influence the Exclusion Crisis (1679–81)?

The Popish Plot (1678) and fear of a Catholic monarchy led Whigs to oppose James’s succession—this showed rising PN confidence in opposing royal religious policies.

How did Charles II handle the 1672 Declaration of Indulgence?

Under parliamentary pressure, he withdrew it and passed the 1673 Test Act—an early example of PN overriding the monarch’s religious intentions.

How did James II alienate even Tory supporters with religion?

His 1687 Declaration of Indulgence (reissued 1688), Catholic appointments, and promotion of toleration defied the Test Act, prompting widespread elite opposition.

What was the political consequence of James II’s religious policies?

His actions, and the birth of a Catholic son in 1688, sparked the Glorious Revolution due to fears of a permanent Catholic dynasty.

What did the 1689 Toleration Act do?

It gave limited freedom of worship to Protestant dissenters but excluded Catholics—showing the PN’s determination to preserve Anglican supremacy.

How did religious power shift to Parliament post-1688?

Parliament dictated the limits of toleration and retained the Test Acts, ensuring that only Anglicans could hold office—PN now shaped the state’s religious identity.

How did William’s views on toleration clash with Parliament?

He personally supported broader toleration but was forced to compromise with a Parliament that wanted to reinforce Anglican dominance.

Financial and Military Power; How did Charles II reduce dependence on Parliament for money?

He made the secret Treaty of Dover with France, receiving subsidies in return for Catholic sympathies—this gave short-term autonomy.

Why did William III need Parliament for finance after 1688?

His continental wars (e.g., Nine Years’ War 1688–97, War of Spanish Succession from 1701) were too expensive to fund without Parliament’s consent.

What was the Financial Revolution and why was it important?

Parliament developed national debt mechanisms, the Million Loan Act, and founded the Bank of England (1694), giving it permanent control over state finances.

How did the Civil List Act (1697) change crown finances?

It separated royal and government finances, with Parliament controlling state spending and monitoring royal expenses.

What was the role of the Commission of Public Accounts?

It was created to audit government spending, reflecting Parliament’s increased oversight and distrust of unchecked royal expenditure.

How did the 1689 Mutiny Act limit the royal military power?

It meant a standing army had to be approved annually by Parliament, ending the monarch’s ability to maintain a military force without consent.

How did political factions like the Junto Whigs shift power?

These MPs shaped policy on finance and war—William had to negotiate with them for support, reducing the influence of royal favourites/advisers.

Did war increase or decrease royal power post-1688?

Although war gave William power in military leadership, he was reliant on Parliament for resources. Thus, it created a fiscal-military state dominated by Parliament.