- British Parliament: He served in the British Parliament for over 30 years, representing various constituencies and working to protect the rights of his constituents.
- Legislation: He was instrumental in passing several significant pieces of legislation, including the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which protected individuals from unlawful imprisonment.
- Bill of Rights: He played a leading role in drafting and passing the English Bill of Rights in 1689, which established fundamental constitutional principles and limited the powers of the monarch.
- Government Reform: He advocated for reforms to the British government, including increasing the power of Parliament and reducing the influence of the king.
- Religious Freedom: He supported religious tolerance and worked to promote greater freedom of worship for Nonconformist Protestant denominations.
- Legal Reforms: He contributed to the development and codification of English common law, helping to establish a more just and equitable legal system.
- Glorious Revolution: He played a crucial role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
- Financial Measures: He introduced financial measures to stabilize the British economy, including measures to regulate the East India Company and establish the Bank of England.
- Colonial Expansion: He had a significant influence on the growth of the British Empire, advocating for the expansion of trade and the establishment of colonies in North America and other regions.
- Literary and Philosophical Interests: He was a respected writer and philosopher, publishing several works, including "Two Treatises of Government," which contributed to the development of modern political thought.