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Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights (1688-1689)

Study note

James II was a Catholic king, and many in Parliament feared he would favour Catholics and rule without their consent. In 1688, leading figures invited the Protestant William of Orange to come to England and take the throne. William arrived with an army, James II fled abroad, and William and his wife Mary became joint rulers. This change of monarch without a major battle is known as the Glorious Revolution.

The following year, in 1689, Parliament passed the Bill of Rights. This increased the power of Parliament and limited the power of the monarch, rather than giving all power to the king. The king could no longer raise taxes or keep an army without Parliament's agreement. This marked the beginning of a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch rules within limits set by Parliament. Remember the sequence: 1688 Glorious Revolution, then the 1689 Bill of Rights.

Memory tip: 1688 Glorious Revolution → 1689 Bill of Rights → Parliament gains power over the king.

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Question 1 of 3

What did the Glorious Revolution of 1688 lead to?

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Show all questions and answers for Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights (1688-1689)(3 questions with explanations)

Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights (1688-1689): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What did the Glorious Revolution of 1688 lead to?

    • An absolute monarchy with all power to the king
    • The start of the Roman Empire in Britain
    • The union of England and Wales
    • A constitutional monarchy with more power for Parliament

    Correct answer: A constitutional monarchy with more power for Parliament

    It reduced the monarch's power and strengthened Parliament, confirmed by the 1689 Bill of Rights.

  2. 2. Who was invited to become king during the Glorious Revolution?

    • King John
    • Henry Tudor
    • Oliver Cromwell
    • William of Orange

    Correct answer: William of Orange

    William of Orange (William III) took the throne as James II fled.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The Bill of Rights of 1689 increased the power of the monarch
    • The Bill of Rights of 1689 increased the power of Parliament

    Correct answer: The Bill of Rights of 1689 increased the power of Parliament

    The 1689 Bill of Rights strengthened Parliament and limited the monarch.

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