Lecture Notes: The Peculiar Coronation of William and Mary in 1689

Introduction

Focus on the coronation of William and Mary in England, 1689.
Peculiarities involved:
- Co-regency: William and Mary shared power as co-monarchs.
- William was Dutch, yet became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
- Coronation included a list of demands from Parliament rather than traditional congratulatory elements.

Invasion of England (1688):
- Invited by English Protestants to invade due to anti-Catholic sentiment.
- James II, the incumbent king, was Catholic; Protestant England opposed him.
- Birth of a Catholic heir intensified Protestant fears.
- William was James II's son-in-law, married to his Protestant daughter Mary.
Support for Protestant William:
- English nobility and citizens supported William as a Protestant ruler.
- Letter from seven noblemen invited William to overthrow James II, citing political and religious grievances.

Minimal Violence:
- William's invasion met little resistance initially.
- Gained support as he marched to London; James II fled to France.
- William and Mary crowned as King William III and Queen Mary II.

List of Demands (1689):
- Religious complaints against James II.
- Political complaints: suspending laws, misuse of taxes, standing army without Parliament's consent.
Bill of Rights (1689):
- Codified limitations on the monarch's powers.
- Established Parliament's exclusive powers: law-making, taxation, maintaining an army.
- Framework for free elections and free speech within Parliament.

Concept of Parliamentary Sovereignty:
- Defined by A.V. Dicey: Parliament can make/unmake any law without being overridden.
- No checks and balances similar to the American system.
Criticism of Parliamentary Sovereignty:
- Parliament lacks the political ability to act on some of its legal rights.
- UK Supreme Court defers to parliamentary sovereignty.

Differences with the American Constitution:
- US Constitution has a system of checks and balances between branches.
- UK system concentrates power in Parliament.
Echoes in the American Declaration of Independence:
- References complaints against King James II similar to grievances against British rule.

The Glorious Revolution reshaped the power dynamics in the UK, influencing political thought.
Reflects a shared heritage in legal and political concepts between the UK and the US.

Additional Information:

Thanks to Patrick from Name Explained for his contribution and to patrons for their support.
Mention of Patreon and upcoming content from the speaker.