1D.6.2.3 The Convention Parliament and the Declaration of Rights

• The Declaration of Rights grants freedom of speech in Parliament
• What was the primary objective of the Convention Parliament when it was convened in 1689?

  Decide the succession
• The Convention Parliament was formed because James II had fled England
• Arrange the key actions of the Convention Parliament in chronological order.

  1️⃣ Declare the throne vacant

  2️⃣ Draft the Declaration of Rights

  3️⃣ Invite William of Orange

  4️⃣ Pass the Bill of Rights
• The Declaration of Rights required monarchs to be Protestant.
• The Declaration of Rights defined the rights and liberties of the subjects
• What was the long-term impact of the Declaration of Rights on the English legal system?

  Limited royal power
• The Declaration of Rights solidified the principles of constitutional monarchy in England.
• Why was the legality of the Convention Parliament unconventional?

  Formed without a monarch
• Match the actions of the Convention Parliament with their descriptions.

  Declaring the Throne Vacant ↔️ Concluded James II had abdicated

  Drafting the Declaration of Rights ↔️ Defined rights and liberties

  Inviting William of Orange ↔️ Invited to assume the throne

  Passing the Bill of Rights ↔️ Confirmed the Declaration of Rights
• The Declaration of Rights solidified the principles of constitutional monarchy
• What was a major cause of unrest during James II's reign?

  Pro-Catholic policies
• William of Orange was James II's son-in-law.
• Arrange the events leading to the establishment of the Convention Parliament in chronological order.

  1️⃣ James II's pro-Catholic policies

  2️⃣ Birth of James Francis Edward

  3️⃣ Invitation to William of Orange

  4️⃣ James II's flight from England
• What conclusion did the Convention Parliament reach regarding James II?

  He had abdicated
• The Convention Parliament invited William and Mary to jointly assume the throne
• The Bill of Rights confirmed the Declaration of Rights as statutory law.
• What document defined the rights and liberties of the subjects and set limits on royal power?

  Declaration of Rights
• The Declaration of Rights required monarchs to be Protestant
• Why did James II flee England in December 1688?

  To avoid conflict
• The Convention Parliament was established in January 1689
• James II's pro-Catholic policies sparked unrest among the Protestant population.
• What event in 1688 raised fears of a Catholic dynasty in England?

  Birth of James II's son
• William of Orange and Mary were invited to intervene in England.
• James II's flight created a power vacuum in England.
• Match the member/faction with their description:

  William of Orange ↔️ Influenced Parliament towards accepting the Bill of Rights

  Tories ↔️ Favored maintaining the existing monarchy

  Whigs ↔️ Advocated for greater parliamentary control

  Clergy ↔️ Debated the legitimacy of the throne vacancy

  Common Members ↔️ Represented various regions and interests
• The Convention Parliament declared the throne vacant after James II's flight.
• Who were invited to jointly assume the English throne by the Convention Parliament?

  William and Mary
• The Declaration of Rights set conditions for William and Mary's reign.
• The Convention Parliament's actions led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
• Why was James II considered unacceptable as a candidate for the English throne by the Convention Parliament?

  Pro-Catholic policies
• William of Orange was considered the most suitable candidate for the English throne due to his Protestant faith and popularity.
• What made Mary suitable to be co-monarch with William of Orange?

  Protestant heir
• The Declaration of Rights was drafted by the Convention Parliament.
• The Declaration of Rights solidified the principles of constitutional monarchy in England.
• What were the key events that led to the establishment of the Convention Parliament?

  James II's flight
• James II's pro-Catholic policies caused unrest among the Protestant population.
• Why did the birth of James II's son in 1688 raise fears among Protestants?

  A Catholic dynasty
• Match the member/faction with their role in the Convention Parliament:

  William of Orange ↔️ Invited to take the throne; influenced decisions

  Whigs ↔️ Advocated for limitations on royal power

  Tories ↔️ Initially opposed William, but eventually agreed

  Clergy ↔️ Debated the legitimacy of James II's abdication

  John Somers ↔️ Drafted the Declaration of Rights
• Order the candidates considered by the Convention Parliament in terms of suitability for the English throne:

  1️⃣ James II (Unacceptable)

  2️⃣ James Francis Edward (Unacceptable)

  3️⃣ William of Orange (Most suitable)

  4️⃣ Mary (Suitable as co-monarch)