GR - Changing balance of power between the monarch and parliament

When and what was the Bill of Rights?

1689

started as dec of rights

• listed james’ errors

• defined liberties of the people (quite revolutionary as it defined the liberties of the people - french rev and us constitution 100 years set out liberties for the people):

1. laws could not be suspended without parliament’s consent

2. parliament to approve all tax

3. parliament to meet frequently

• compromise in relation to removing James

• was read at W+M’s coronation (revolutionary as undermines divine rights and immediately asserts parliament’s authority) and a new coronation oath agreeing W+M to abide by government

designed to prevent monarchs from trying to change laws, raise taxes or maintain an army without Parliament's consent

When and what was the Triennial Act?

1694

• it stated that no parliament could last longer than 3 years

• 1692 the king vetoed the triannial bill. this reminded mps of C2 and J2 and they didnt accept W’s attempts at absolute power

Ended the option of king dissolving parliament + ruling alone as Charles 2 had done 1681-5

act showed increased P power as the king could not longer dismiss a parliament he didnt like or extend one he did like - removal of a prerogative power

in practice William was still able to bribe MPs with patronage and pensions

when and what was the Licensing Act

• Charles 2 introduced the licensing of the press act in 1662

• this prevented the printing of treasonable books and pamphlets (things against the king)

• in expired/lapsed in 1695 - loss of king’s power to sensor

details on parliament limiting the army

1697 - 10,000

1698 - 7,000

• designed to take more of W’s power away, to limit threat of W starting a war, to spend less money and require less tax

increase of P control, decrease of W’s power

when and what was the bill of resumption

1699

William could no longer give land to members of the Privy Council - further limit on royal power

when and what was the act of settlement

1701

• extention of the BoR

• ensured protestant succession

• further demonstration of limits to royal power

What power did W still have though?

1. the bill of rights was a compromise of what P wanted

2. W was able to avoid the Triennial act effects with bribery to support him

3. during the war W could choose more military MPs, who would influence parliament