What was the purpose of the English Bill of Rights?

• A. To prevent abuse of power by English monarchs.
• B. To create a unified Church of England.
• C. To give the king sole power over Parliament.
• D. To abolish Parliament.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is limiting the king’s authority and securing Parliament’s role in governing. After the Glorious Revolution, the idea took hold that rulers should operate within laws and with the consent of Parliament. The Bill of Rights enshrined that power to tax, make laws, or maintain a standing army requires Parliament’s approval, and it protected the freedom of elections and debates in Parliament, along with certain individual rights. Taken together, these provisions were designed to prevent monarchs from abusing power and to create a constitutional framework where the monarch is constrained by law and by Parliament. It isn’t about establishing a church, granting the king control over Parliament, or abolishing Parliament, so those options don’t fit the purpose.