OCR GCSE History A (J410) — British Thematic Studies
Imagine an unpopular ruler suddenly fleeing their own country, leaving the throne entirely empty. This is exactly what happened to James II in 1688, but the causes of this crisis had been building for years.
Did the events of 1688 actually create a modern democracy? To evaluate the legacy of the Glorious Revolution, we must look at the Revolutionary Settlement, which included the Bill of Rights 1689.
Modern politics is defined by opposing factions, but how did this system begin? The first political parties emerged in the late 1600s during the Exclusion Crisis, a bitter dispute over whether the Catholic James II should be allowed to inherit the throne.
During the 18th century, the ultimate power to govern (known as Sovereignty) gradually shifted from the Crown to Parliament. This transition happened in several key steps:
The title "Prime Minister" originally started as a petty insult for a politician who was greedy for power. Walpole was never officially given this title by law, making him the de-facto Prime Minister.
Students often describe the Glorious Revolution as completely peaceful, but you must mention the Battle of the Boyne to demonstrate that it involved significant violence outside of England.
For 'Evaluate' questions on the Bill of Rights, examiners expect you to weigh the changes (like Parliament controlling taxation) against the continuities (the monarch still choosing ministers) before reaching a balanced judgement.
Always use the specific phrase 'Revolutionary Settlement' when referring to the combined political changes of 1688-1689; it shows the examiner you know the correct OCR terminology.
When asked to 'Describe' the development of the Parliamentary monarchy, explicitly link the language barrier and absence of the Hanoverian Kings (George I and II) to the rise of Sir Robert Walpole's power.
James II
The Catholic King of England whose religious policies and birth of a Catholic heir sparked the Glorious Revolution.
Divine Right of Kings
The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, making them unaccountable to Parliament or the people.
William and Mary
The Protestant joint monarchs invited by Parliament to take the English throne during the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Revolutionary Settlement
The new political framework created after 1688, encompassing the Bill of Rights, the Toleration Act, and the coronation of William and Mary.
Bill of Rights 1689
A crucial Act of Parliament that limited the monarch's power, preventing them from raising taxes or armies without parliamentary consent.
Parliamentary Privilege
The legal immunity granted to Members of Parliament, ensuring they can speak freely during debates without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Constitutional Monarchy
A system of government where the monarch acts as head of state but their powers are strictly limited by a constitution or a parliament.
King-in-Parliament
The legal concept establishing that the supreme authority of the state rests with the monarch acting alongside the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Whigs
An early political party that supported parliamentary supremacy, religious toleration for dissenting Protestants, and merchant interests.
Tories
An early political party that supported the strong authority of the monarch, the Anglican Church, and the interests of wealthy landowners.
Sovereignty
The supreme power or authority to govern and make laws within a state.
Hanoverian Succession
The peaceful transfer of the British crown to the German House of Hanover in 1714, ensuring a Protestant monarch.
Cabinet government
A system where executive power is held by a small, inner circle of senior ministers who decide on national policy.
Sir Robert Walpole
A prominent Whig politician widely regarded as Britain's first de-facto Prime Minister, serving from 1721 to 1742.
Patronage
The practice of using government jobs, titles, and pensions to reward supporters and secure political loyalty in Parliament.
Jacobitism
The political movement dedicated to restoring the exiled Catholic Stuart dynasty to the British throne.
Put your knowledge into practice — try past paper questions for History A
James II
The Catholic King of England whose religious policies and birth of a Catholic heir sparked the Glorious Revolution.
Divine Right of Kings
The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, making them unaccountable to Parliament or the people.
William and Mary
The Protestant joint monarchs invited by Parliament to take the English throne during the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Revolutionary Settlement
The new political framework created after 1688, encompassing the Bill of Rights, the Toleration Act, and the coronation of William and Mary.
Bill of Rights 1689
A crucial Act of Parliament that limited the monarch's power, preventing them from raising taxes or armies without parliamentary consent.
Parliamentary Privilege
The legal immunity granted to Members of Parliament, ensuring they can speak freely during debates without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Constitutional Monarchy
A system of government where the monarch acts as head of state but their powers are strictly limited by a constitution or a parliament.
King-in-Parliament
The legal concept establishing that the supreme authority of the state rests with the monarch acting alongside the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Whigs
An early political party that supported parliamentary supremacy, religious toleration for dissenting Protestants, and merchant interests.
Tories
An early political party that supported the strong authority of the monarch, the Anglican Church, and the interests of wealthy landowners.
Sovereignty
The supreme power or authority to govern and make laws within a state.
Hanoverian Succession
The peaceful transfer of the British crown to the German House of Hanover in 1714, ensuring a Protestant monarch.
Cabinet government
A system where executive power is held by a small, inner circle of senior ministers who decide on national policy.
Sir Robert Walpole
A prominent Whig politician widely regarded as Britain's first de-facto Prime Minister, serving from 1721 to 1742.
Patronage
The practice of using government jobs, titles, and pensions to reward supporters and secure political loyalty in Parliament.
Jacobitism
The political movement dedicated to restoring the exiled Catholic Stuart dynasty to the British throne.
