During the Glorious Revolution, the English people and Parliament joined forces to overthrow King James II and establish a new constitutional monarchy that secured the supremacy of Parliament and the rule of law. This transformation marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarch and Parliament and prevented the absolute rule of the king.
Here's how the Glorious Revolution prevented absolutism and preserved parliamentary government:
1. Deposed an Absolutist Monarch: King James II was replaced with William and Mary, who were proclaimed joint monarchs. They had to accept a set of conditions before assuming the throne, including respecting the power and authority of Parliament. This transition prevented the continuation of absolute rule and signaled the end of the Stuart dynasty's autocratic tendencies.
2. Bill of Rights (1689): The English Parliament enacted the Bill of Rights in 1689, securing several fundamental rights and liberties. It outlined specific limits on the power of the monarchy and defined the rights of Parliament and the people. Among other provisions, the Bill of Rights established:
- Freedom of speech in Parliament.
- Frequent parliamentary elections.
- Parliamentary approval for royal taxation and the maintenance of a standing army.
- Limitations on the monarch's ability to suspend or dispense laws without the consent of Parliament.
3. Supremacy of Parliament: The Bill of Rights affirmed the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy. It made clear that the monarch ruled with the consent of Parliament, and Parliament had the sole authority to make and change laws. This principle reinforced the concept that the Crown's power was subordinate to the authority of Parliament.
4. Constitutional Monarchy: The Glorious Revolution led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in which the powers of the monarch were limited by constitutional provisions and parliamentary oversight. The new sovereigns were required to govern according to the law of the land and abide by the decisions of Parliament. This concept of a limited monarchy contrasted sharply with the absolute power that James II had sought to assert.
5. Cabinet Government: The Glorious Revolution played a crucial role in the development of the modern British system of cabinet government. It strengthened the role of Parliament and led to the emergence of political parties that competed for power. This evolution eventually resulted in the formation of a parliamentary cabinet responsible for governing the nation rather than the monarch ruling alone.
6. Consent of the Governed: The Glorious Revolution emphasized the importance of the consent of the governed. The people's support for the new constitutional arrangement and the willingness of Parliament to represent the interests of the nation were vital in preventing absolutism. The revolution set the stage for future democratic reforms and expanded political participation in England.
In summary, the Glorious Revolution prevented absolutism from terminating parliamentary government by establishing a constitutional monarchy, limiting the power of the monarch, securing parliamentary supremacy, and introducing the concept of the consent of the governed. This transformation laid the groundwork for the modern democratic political system in the United Kingdom.