Bill of Rights (England)

The Bill of Rights is a major constitutional document that was drawn up after the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89, which resulted in the exile of King James II and the accession to the throne of William of Orange and Mary. Its purposes were to depose James II for misgovernment; to determine the succession to the throne, to prevent arbitrary actions by future monarchs, and to guarantee parliament’s powers in relation to them.
Its principle contents are:

• a declaration by the Commons and the Lords commencing with a list of the misdeeds of James II;
• the Thirteen Articles defining the limitations of the Crown and confirming the rights of Parliament and the individual;
• a confirmation of the accession of William and Mary to the Throne and a definition of the succession.