Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: That Parliament had the right to remove a monarch who violated laws and to offer the crown to another ruler
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Although this question falls under general history, it is very relevant for understanding the growth of modern democratic ideas that later influenced India as well. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England was a turning point in the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament. It led to the overthrow of King James II and the invitation to William and Mary to take the throne. The question asks what principle about Parliaments powers this revolution clearly demonstrated.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The historical event is the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England.
- The question asks specifically about what it showed regarding Parliament s power.
- The options present different possibilities: no power, absolute royal power, replacement of Parliament, or the right to remove and replace a monarch.
- We assume basic knowledge that this revolution strengthened Parliament and limited the monarchy.
Concept / Approach:
The Glorious Revolution is often described as a bloodless revolution that firmly established the supremacy of Parliament over the king in constitutional matters. By forcing James II to flee and then formally offering the crown to William and Mary under conditions laid down in the Bill of Rights, Parliament showed that the monarch ruled with its consent. The core principle demonstrated was that Parliament could remove a king who broke the law and invite another ruler to take his place, thereby asserting its ultimate authority in succession and governance.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that James II was accused of abusing his powers and threatening Protestant and parliamentary liberties.
Step 2: Remember that leading members of Parliament invited William of Orange and his wife Mary to take the English throne.
Step 3: Understand that James II fled and was effectively removed, and that William and Mary accepted the crown under conditions set out by Parliament, especially in the Bill of Rights of 1689.
Step 4: Recognise that this process demonstrated that Parliament could decide who would occupy the throne if the existing monarch violated fundamental laws.
Step 5: Compare this understanding with the options and select the one that directly mentions Parliaments right to remove and replace a monarch.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how history books summarise the impact of the Glorious Revolution. They often say it established constitutional monarchy and parliamentary supremacy. The Bill of Rights restricted the kings power, guaranteed certain parliamentary privileges and showed that the crown depended on parliamentary approval. None of this fits with the idea of Parliament having no authority or being removable at will by the king. The only option that matches this is the statement that Parliament had the right to remove a monarch and offer the crown to another ruler.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
That Parliament had no authority over matters of taxation, religion or succession: In fact, Parliament gained stronger control, especially over taxation and succession, after 1688.
That Parliament could be permanently dissolved by the king at his personal will: The revolution restricted such arbitrary powers and reduced the kings ability to suspend or dismiss Parliament freely.
That Parliament was completely subordinate to the royal will in all political matters: The opposite is true; the event affirmed Parliament s superior role in constitutional questions.
That Parliament would henceforth be replaced by a council of army generals and judges: No such replacement occurred; instead, Parliament remained central and became stronger.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the Glorious Revolution with earlier or later conflicts like the English Civil War or the rule of Oliver Cromwell. This can lead to thinking in terms of military rule or total abolition of monarchy. Another mistake is to underestimate the importance of the Bill of Rights and the invitation to William and Mary, which clearly show that Parliament was taking charge. Keeping in mind that the Glorious Revolution is famous for parliamentary supremacy, not for military dictatorship or royal absolutism, helps you avoid these errors.
Final Answer:
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 demonstrated that Parliament had the right to remove a monarch who violated laws and to offer the crown to another ruler.
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