In what year was the English Bill of Rights enacted?

• A. 1689
• B. 1776
• C. 1791
• D. 1620

Answer: (A)

1689 is the year the English Bill of Rights was enacted. After the Glorious Revolution, Parliament invited William and Mary to take the throne and set the stage for limiting royal power. The Bill of Rights then codified those limits and protections, establishing that the crown cannot suspend laws or levy taxes without Parliament’s consent, ensuring free elections and debates in Parliament, and safeguarding basic legal rights such as trial by jury and the right to petition. This created a constitutional framework where the monarchy operates within the law and Parliament holds significant influence, a model that influenced later constitutional developments, including the U.S. Bill of Rights.

For context, 1776 marks American independence, 1791 is when the U.S. Bill of Rights was ratified, and 1620 is the year of the Mayflower Compact.