Bill of Rights 1689

The English statute that limited the Crown’s powers, affirmed Parliament’s authority, and protected rights including free parliamentary elections and freedom of speech in Parliament.

Glorious Revolution: The 1688–1689 overthrow of James II and accession of William III and Mary II in England. James II’s removal created the political conditions for Parliament to demand a new constitutional settlement.
Royal prerogative: The residual powers and privileges exercised by the British monarch under law and constitutional convention. The statute rejected unilateral exercises of prerogative such as suspending laws or raising revenue without Parliament.
Freedom of speech in Parliament: The protection of speech and debate in Parliament from challenge in courts or other places outside Parliament. The statute declared parliamentary speech and proceedings not to be impeached or questioned elsewhere.
Constitutional monarchy: A system in which a monarch’s powers are limited by constitutional rules and exercised alongside representative institutions. The statute helped entrench a monarchy dependent on Parliament’s legal authority.
James II of England: The last Catholic monarch to rule England, whose deposition followed conflicts over religion and royal authority. The statute enumerated abuses associated with his rule to justify restrictions on the Crown.
Parliamentary sovereignty: The constitutional principle that the United Kingdom Parliament can make or repeal any law. The statute strengthened Parliament’s authority without itself establishing the later doctrine in its full form.
Free parliamentary elections: The principle that elections to Parliament must occur without improper interference by the Crown or government. The statute affirmed that parliamentary elections ought to be free.
English constitutional history: The development of institutions, laws, and political principles governing England’s state and monarchy. The statute became a landmark in the long contest over Crown and Parliament.
William III of England: King of England from 1689 to 1702, who ruled jointly with Mary II until her death. The statute offered the crown to William and Mary on terms set by Parliament.
Parliamentary privilege: The legal protections that allow the UK Parliament and its members to perform their functions independently. Its protection of speech and debate in Parliament became a core privilege.

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