Parliamentary Sovereignty: The revolution established the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy. Henceforth, the monarch ruled at the pleasure of Parliament, and its consent became necessary for any significant legislative, executive, or judicial decisions.
Bill of Rights: Parliament enacted the Bill of Rights in 1689, which further restricted the powers of the monarch. It laid down fundamental principles such as the right to regular parliamentary sessions, the right to petition the king, freedom from excessive bail and cruel punishment, and the prohibition of raising an army during peacetime without Parliament's consent.
Constitutional Monarchy: England transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The king (William of Orange) agreed to govern according to the laws and traditions established by Parliament. This paved the way for a system of checks and balances between the monarch, the government, and the Parliament, thereby limiting the absolute power of any one entity.
Protestant Supremacy: The Glorious Revolution reaffirmed Protestantism as the official religion of England. The monarch was required to be a Protestant, and only Protestants could hold public office. This provision aimed to prevent Catholic monarchs or influences from regaining power, thereby securing Protestant dominance in the country.
Development of Political Parties: The revolution contributed to the emergence of political parties in England. The two dominant parties during this time were the Whigs, who supported the principles of parliamentary supremacy and religious toleration, and the Tories, who advocated for a stronger monarchy and the preservation of the Anglican Church.
Limited Franchise: Despite its transformative nature, the Glorious Revolution did not extend the right to vote to all citizens. The franchise remained largely restricted to wealthy landowners, excluding a significant portion of the population from political participation.
Scottish and English Union: The revolution indirectly led to the union of Scotland and England under the Acts of Union in 1707. This union created the Kingdom of Great Britain, further solidifying the political changes brought about by the Glorious Revolution.
The Glorious Revolution marked a significant turning point in English political history, shaping the country's constitutional framework and the power dynamics between the monarchy, Parliament, and the people.