Lecture Notes: Understanding the Glorious Revolution and Parliamentary Sovereignty

Introduction

• Focus on a coronation ceremony.
• William and Mary crowned as co-regents in England, 1689.
• Significant peculiarities:
  • Co-regency, typically a single role.
  • William was Dutch, not English, Scottish, or Irish.
  • Parliament's list of demands at the coronation.

Background of William of Orange

• Invaded England in 1688, invited by English nobles.
• Protestant, while James II was Catholic.
• James II’s push for Catholicism opposed in England.
• Birth of James II’s son in 1688 heightened fears of a Catholic dynasty.
• William was son-in-law to James II, married to Mary, James' Protestant daughter.

Invitation to Invade

• Seven noblemen invited William, concerned with religion, liberties, and properties.
• Fear of James II's tyrannical rule.
• William of Orange agreed to invade.

The Glorious Revolution

• Minimal violence during William's 1688 invasion.
• Support from English nobility and commoners.
• James II fled to France.
• William and Mary ascended to the throne.

The Document at Coronation

• List of demands from Parliament, not traditional coronation texts.
• Complaints against James II:
  • Religious grievances.
  • Suspension of laws without Parliament.
  • Taxation without consent.
  • Maintaining a standing army without Parliament's consent.
  • Blocking free elections.

The Bill of Rights 1689

• Parliament codified complaints and restrictions.
• Established Parliament’s exclusive powers:
  • Create and terminate law.
  • Levy taxes.
  • Maintain an army.
• Laid groundwork for parliamentary sovereignty.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

• Concept described by A.V. Dicey.
• Parliament can legislate on any subject without override.
• Contrasts with American checks and balances.
• Criticisms:
  • Legal vs. political sovereignty.

Comparisons with American Constitution

• Glorious Revolution influenced concepts in American Declaration of Independence.
• Shared themes of limited governance, resistance to absolutism.

Conclusion

• The lecture ties the Glorious Revolution to the foundation of UK political systems and its influence on American political thought.
• Encouragement to explore further resources and support the creator.

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These notes cover the key points and themes of the lecture on the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of parliamentary sovereignty, providing a study aid for understanding the historical context and its lasting impact.