English Declaration of Rights

Creating the Declaration of Independence | Creating the United States Constitution | Creating the Bill of Rights

Forging a Federal Government | Demand for a Bill of Rights | Formation of Political Parties | Election of 1800 | Peaceful Transition

Declaration of Rights in Anno Regni Gulielmi et Mariæ Regis & Reginæ Angliæ, Scotiæ, Franciæ & Hiberniæ, Primo. London: Charles Bill and Thomas Newcomb, 1689. Law Library, Library of Congress (108)
[Digital ID# us0108]

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Fearing abuses of rights and the restoration of the Roman Catholic Church under the Stuarts, the English parliament imposed the 1689 Declaration of Rights on King William III (1650—1702, reigned 1689—1702) and Queen Mary II (1662—1694, reigned 1689—1694) as a precondition to their being crowned king and queen. However, Parliament was more concerned with protecting its own rights and privileges than those of individuals.