The Bill of Rights and Constitutional Monarchy

The constitutional settlement of 1689 transformed the English monarchy. It established that the Crown ruled by parliamentary consent, not divine right; that the law was supreme over royal prerogative; and that certain fundamental rights could not be overridden by the king. This lesson examines the Convention Parliament, the Bill of Rights, the Toleration Act, and the constitutional significance of the settlement.

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The Convention Parliament (January–February 1689)

The Central Debate: Had James Abdicated?

Whig Position	Tory Position
James had violated the original contract. The throne was vacant. Parliament could choose the monarch.	James remained king by hereditary right. At most, a regency could be established.
Sovereignty derived from the people through Parliament	Sovereignty derived from God through hereditary succession

The Compromise

The Convention adopted a formula: James had "abdicated" (Whig language), the throne was "vacant" (Whig language), William and Mary would be joint monarchs, and the Bill of Rights would define the terms.

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The Bill of Rights (December 1689)

Key Provisions