History Fact Finder | Government and Politics - What Was The Bill Of Rights Of 1689?

What was the Bill of Rights of 1689?

The Bill of Rights of 1689 was a document that limited the power of British monarchs. It was presented by Parliament, the law-making body of Great Britain, to King William III (1650–1702) and his wife Queen Mary II (1662–1694) before they took the throne in 1689. The result of a long struggle between previous kings and Parliament, the Bill of Rights was written after King James II (1633–1701) was removed from power in 1688. The document not only described certain civil and political rights and liberties as "true, ancient, and indubitable [too evident to be doubted]," but it also specified how monarchs would succeed to the throne. In addition, the bill stated that no Roman Catholic (member of the Christian religion based in Rome, Italy, and headed by a pope) could rule the country. Since the Bill of Rights served to assert the role of Parliament in the government of England, it is...

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