English Bill of Rights

The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, is a landmark document that established essential rights and limits on government power in England. It arose from the Glorious Revolution, which saw William of Orange take the throne. The Bill affirmed individual liberties, such as the right to a fair trial, freedom from cruel punishment, and the right to petition the monarchy. It also restricted the monarch's ability to levy taxes or maintain an army without Parliament's consent. This document laid the groundwork for constitutional democracy and influenced future human rights charters, including the U.S. Bill of Rights.