Origins of Democracy

Created by Jennifer Ramos

1685: succession of James II

February 6 Charles II died, succeeded by his brother, the Catholic
James II
Asked for repeal of Test Acts, James but parliament refused
begged him to put to rest that they were protestants and not catholic

1686: repeal of the Test Acts

In April judges ruled James II could dispense Test Acts without
consent of Parliament
July 15 an Ecclesiastical Commission set up, to which King's powers as
Governor of Church of England delegated
growing fear manifested among King's subjects, James plotting to
impose own religious views

1687: Declaration of Indulgence

April 5, King published Declaration of Indulgence suspended all
religious penal laws
In July King received Ferdinando d'Adda as official Papal Nuncio to
Court of St James
in August, 9 lieutenants dismissed by the King, existing wanted no
questions

1688: the Glorious Revolution

Declaration of Indulgence reissued by James April 27 1688
May 18 Archbishop of Canterbury, six bishops refused to read it,
petitioned against order
June 8 Seven Bishops arrested, sent to Tower; two days after the
Queen gave birth son baptised according to Roman Catholic rite.
William became king in December and James escaped to France

1689: Bill of Rights

January 22 new Parliament first met
February 12 Convention Parliament issued Declaration of Rights
declaration later embodied in Bill of Rights passed by Parliament
December 1689