The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy
I can describe how the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy and increased the power of Parliament.
The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy
I can describe how the Bill of Rights limited the power of the monarchy and increased the power of Parliament.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- William III of Orange was concerned that England may form an alliance with Catholic France against the Protestant Dutch.
- In November 1688 William of Orange, Protestant son-in-law to James II, landed in England and James fled for France.
- In 1669 a new Parliament met, which issued the Bill of Rights and offered William and Mary the crown.
- This declaration greatly limited the power of the monarchy by creating a constitutional monarchy.
- It established frequent Parliaments, free elections, freedom of speech within Parliament and other Parliamentary powers.
Keywords
Convention - a meeting of Parliament without a summons from the monarch
Bill - a draft of a proposed law presented to Parliament for discussion
Constitutional monarchy - a system in which the monarch must use their power in line with established laws
Common misconception
Monarchs need to secure their positions by imprisoning or killing any claimants to the throne.
Although many monarchs have acted in this way, there are countless examples of monarchs who tolerated the freedom of strong claimants to the throne in order to not appear despotic. William III of Orange is a good example.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Glorious Revolution: how do historians' views of it differ? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
an assembly of people with authority to make laws for a country
an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
person who believes in the faith & practices of the Church of England